The Philadelphia 76ers going through a tough time but they’re trying, Jennifer. It’s hard to overcome injuries to one star player, let alone three. Yet, at the start of their 2024-25 campaign, that’s what the Sixers have had to contend with.
Sixers face of the franchise Joel Embiid entered the season having trouble with his knee. This wasn’t news in the sense that Embiid had sustained a significant knee injury last season but rushed back from it in order to be ready for the playoffs. However, with Embiid playing for Team USA in the Paris Olympics this summer, it was particularly frustrating to hear.
His new sidekick, Paul George, has already hyperextended his knee twice since suiting up for Philadelphia. There are rumors that Embiid’s preferred offseason target was actually Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler. His recent proclamation that his former teammate is the best player in the NBA might add credibility to this.
Safe to say Joel Embiid wants Paul George on his team next year pic.twitter.com/DmYuCN9R4K
— The Ultimate Lineup (@TheUltLineup_) June 15, 2024
Nonetheless, Embiid personally recruited George, who talked a good game during his introductory press conference but has only had two good games this season.
Then there’s Tyrese Maxey, who missed multiple games with a hamstring injury. Maxey is taking on more of a leadership role on and off the court on the heels of winning the 2024 Most Improved Player Award. He’s tended to struggle with his efficiency when Embiid is on the court, but is viewed as his second-in-command.
Will Sixers’ Joel Embiid End Up In Trade Talks Amid Endless Drama?
Frankly, the Sixers being 2-12 reflects more than their unfortunate circumstances though. The Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and Oklahoma City Thunder have all had at least one star player injured for multiple games this season. Yet, they’re all above .500. Consequently, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse and president Daryl Morey do share some of the blame for the team’s struggles.
However, the biggest problem in Philadelphia isn’t that their Hall of Fame big man and his sidekicks have gotten off to a rough start. Right now, the issue is a relationship that might be starting to splinter.
First, Morey and Sixers general manager Elton Brand publicly sided with beat reporter Marcus Hayes after he made snide and unnecessary remarks about Embiid’s late brother. Embiid was certainly out of line for shoving Hayes. Still, the seriousness of the Hayes’s comments should’ve led to the franchise trying to protect their star rather than his antagonist.
After that, ESPN senior insider Shams Charania reported that Embiid had been called out by Maxey for his lack of punctuality. Maxey had every right to voice his displeasure and frustration. Furthermore, he and Embiid appear to have a solid relationship by all accounts. Regardless, Embiid took exception to the meeting being leaked.
“Whoever leaked that is a real piece of s***,” Embiid says, per The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Gina Mizell. “But even then, we talked about a lot of things. I don’t want to get into the details, but that whole thing probably took 30 seconds.”
“I’m the reason for everything, so I’ll take the blame for everything,” he adds.
It’s worth noting that only a Sixers employee —be it a player, coach, or executive —would’ve been privy to that information.
What’s The Deal?
At this point, it’s almost like the Sixers are trying to taint their relationship with Embiid.
It’s one thing for Embiid to constantly be criticized by the fans and media for his lack of availability. That being said, he’s addressed that recently as well, saying he’s “done too much for (Philadelphia)” to be treated that way. However, it’s another issue entirely for Embiid to be put on an island.
By failing to publicly defend Embiid after a personal attack, that’s what the Sixers did though. When they added fuel to the fire by leaking an inflammatory report, they continued to do so. The next thing people know, there’ll be rumors that Philadelphia had engaged with other teams about an Embiid-centered trade.
Wow we have reached the stage of things that I am being emailed odds for Joel Embiid’s next team
Just want to reinforce once again that Embiid cannot legally be traded this year because of the extension he signed this summer. Deep breaths everybody pic.twitter.com/0XFbiFvaaF
— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) November 20, 2024
In fact, there are already betting odds on which team Embiid will play for next season amidst all this drama. Because he signed a max contract extension shortly after the summer, Embiid couldn’t be traded this season, which seems unlikely anyhow. Nonetheless, if this season continues to be a dumpster fire on and particularly off the court, he and the Sixers could eventually split.
Embiid’s Potential Destinations
There are a number of teams that make sense for Embiid. He’s been linked to the New York Knicks for years. However, while he’s not a true center, Karl-Anthony Towns’s arrival could make Embiid a less appealing target.
Instead, he could join Butler in Miami. Though Spoelstra prefers small-ball concepts, it would be interesting, especially if they can hold onto Bam Adebayo. Yet, Butler is reportedly eyeing free agency. If he leaves the Heat, he’s been linked to the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, and Houston Rockets.
Among those teams, the Rockets and Nets might be the most logical destinations for Embiid. Houston seemingly backing away from two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo throws cold water on the idea of him playing for them. Still, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka’s a defensive-minded coach who might prefer Embiid over Alperen Sengun.
Due to the assets they hold, Antetokounmpo is seen as a potential offseason target for Brooklyn, too. The interest might even be mutual. That being said, the Nets likely can only land two max stars next offseason and view Nic Claxton as their franchise center. When push comes to shove, they could choose to pair Embiid with Butler or Antetokounmpo though.
The Toronto Raptors are one of the dark horse destinations for Embiid. They could have the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft thanks to their injury luck. On top of that, they have star-caliber players at every position except center, though Jakob Poeltl is nobody to sneeze at. A core of Embiid, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and Gradey Dick could take the Raptors a long way.
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