This is the trade package where the Chicago Bulls literally mortgage their future away to try and nab Embiid from the Sixers. The Bulls send out Markkanen, second-year center Wendell Carter Jr., and veteran power forward Thaddeus Young to get that elusive return of Embiid. But that’s all the Bulls are getting back for their entire frontcourt core.
Piecing this trade framework together all depends again on how much the Sixers value players like WCJ and Markkanen compared to Embiid. If Embiid has his mind set on leaving Philly for “greener pastures”, then getting a return of Markkanen and Carter Jr. is a good haul for the Sixers. If not, then this is a trade package that would be shot down pretty fast.
However, the Bulls are also tossing in Thad to try and sweeten up the trade talks. Since the Sixers are always looking to add forwards that can help with their outside shooting, then Young is a good addition. Markkanen is definitely a good outside shooter and Carter Jr. could be on the path to stardom if he’s put into a more beneficial situation.
GarPax seems intent on keeping Markkanen and Carter Jr. paired together in the frontcourt portion of their starting five, but getting a return of Embiid would be too good to pass up. Markkanen having a down third year in the NBA should drop some of the confidence that the Bulls fan base has in him too.
The Bulls send the Sixers a future first round draft pick in for good measure, since they likely wouldn’t be able to get their interest here without the future draft capital.
Both the Bulls and Sixers are exchanging three injury prone big men, though.