MINNEAPOLIS _ If Joel Embiid's relationship with the Philadelphia 76ers frays to a point the Sixers listen to trade offers, the Charlotte Hornets should pounce.
Make an offer. Make a big offer. Probably offer more than they think they should to accomplish a trade.
My point is Embiid is that rare NBA star/borderline superstar who could be available in his prime with years left on his contract. The Hornets are doing some good work this season developing talent. But for that to matter, those young, complementary players must orbit sooner or later around a great player _ a difference-maker _ and Embiid is a worthy gamble to be that.
Embiid appeared to use social media recently to blow off steam concerning how Philadelphia treats its pro athletes. He posted a picture of himself on Instagram, silencing a frustrated Sixers home crowd by hitting a 3-pointer. He added the caption, "You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become a villain."
That's a quote from the "Dark Knight" Batman movies, suggesting regardless of good intentions, you might end up maligned. Embiid's former Sixers teammate, Jimmy Butler, responded by suggesting if Embiid needs a change, Butler's new team, the Miami Heat, would welcome him.
Frustration can blow over. The underachieving Sixers might have a playoff run that keeps that core together. Also, there are constant examples of athletes being melodramatic on social media that don't result in substance.
But Hornets owner Michael Jordan has said repeatedly that his charge to the franchise's basketball staff is to search every day for improvement. The Hornets need a star at any position, after losing point guard Kemba Walker to the Boston Celtics, but an impact big man would be particularly helpful.
