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Pacers are favorites to land this former NBA MVP in potential trade

Could it be time for Pacers fans to "Trust the Process"?

By Elie Deglaoui

Nov 15, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) stands at the free throw line against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Nov 15, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) stands at the free throw line against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Less than a year ago, the Indiana Pacers made a blockbuster move, trading for Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors. Since joining the team, Siakam has been a fantastic addition to the Pacers and played a crucial role in their conference finals run last season. Fast forward to today, and the Pacers could find themselves in a similar position, only of an even bigger magnitude.

Though the Pacers are not in any major trade rumors at this point, there is no denying that they are always willing to shake up the roster and make a major addition if needed. A month into this season, they are 6-8 and own the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. After last season's deep playoff run, this season has been overwhelming for the Pacers so far. A trade is not imminent, but at this rate, the Pacers may be busy in the trade market once again for one particular superstar.

Bovada names the Pacers as the favorites to acquire Joel Embiid in a potential trade

As it stands, Bovada lists the Pacers (+200) as the betting favorites to land Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid in a potential trade. The rest of the top five are the New York Knicks (+300), Brooklyn Nets (+350), Dallas Mavericks (+450), and the New Orleans Pelicans (+550).

One month into the season, the 76ers, who many believed would be a top-three team in the East, are 2-11. Statistically, they currently have the worst offensive team in the league and are a below-average defensive team. Embiid missed the first few weeks of the season. However, even upon his return to the court, the 76ers' season has not gotten better as they are 0-3 in games Embiid has played in.

In addition to their poor start to the season, the 76ers held a team meeting. According to Shams Charania of ESPN, All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey called out Embiid for being late "for everything," which has had a negative impact on the locker room. Nothing is official, but a trade involving Embiid could become a realistic option for the 76ers.

It is important to note that Embiid cannot be traded this season due to the contract extension he signed this offseason. Still, it is an interesting development nonetheless.

If the Pacers were to acquire Embiid, there is no doubt it would push the team even closer to legitimate title contention. Even given his well-documented injury concerns, Embiid is a top player in the league who is elite in just about every aspect of the game. Additionally, he is just two seasons removed from an MVP award.

At 30 years old, Embiid is likely in the midst of his peak as a basketball player. It seems unlikely that Philadelphia will end up trading their franchise star, barring his own trade request, but it is a situation worth monitoring, especially for the Pacers.

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