If the Sixers ever decide to build around Jaylen Brown after a big move, the next question becomes what to do with Joel Embiid. In my opinion, making a trade like the one involving Jalen Duren in a sign-and-trade, Caris LeVert, Embiid, two first-round picks, and three second-round picks would be very complicated and maybe not even realistic for a team like the Pistons. It feels like something that would be hard for them to justify, unless they are completely changing direction.

If Philadelphia actually made a move like that, it would also mean they would have very few draft picks left after giving so many away or using them in trades. That would put a lot of pressure on the front office to get everything right immediately.

However, if the Sixers end up with a core like Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Duren, VJ Edgecombe, and Jaylen Brown, then the idea becomes different. In that case, the team would actually become younger, more athletic, and more balanced. It could be a real reset, trying to shift from an Embiid-centered team to a new generation.

Even so, the real question is always whether it is worth it. Personally, I also think that if Detroit doesn’t do a deal like this, they might explore something similar with the Kings, maybe involving Domantas Sabonis instead, since that kind of star-for-assets trade fits better their timeline.

At the end of the day, I understand the logic behind rebuilding and collecting picks, but for me it still feels wrong. I don’t think I would enjoy winning without Embiid. You can’t win The Process without The Process.