• ESPN thinks the Joel Embiid and Philadelphia 76ers relationship could end soon
• The ESPN Summer Forecast Panel has Embiid as the next superstar to likely request a trade
• Embiid received 40% of the total votes, with Zion Williamson and Karl-Anthony Towns as the other two leaders
The bells are tolling and signaling the end of Joel Embiid‘s time on the Philadelphia 76ers. At least, that’s what many people think is going to happen shortly, as the ESPN Summer Forecast Panel had 40% of its members vote for Embiid as the next superstar who’s likely to request a trade.
1. Joel Embiid (40% of total votes)
2. Zion Williamson (20%)
3. Karl-Anthony Towns (12%)
T-4. Trae Young (8%)
T-4. Kyrie Irving (8%)
T-5. Ja Morant (4%)
T-5. Donovan Mitchell (4%)
T-5. Luka Doncic (4%)
Embiid averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists with the 76ers and won MVP last season. However, he had a playoff nightmare, having the largest drop-off between regular season and playoff stats for an MVP in league history.
With the James Harden situation indicating another future change of co-star for Embiid, it seems likely that Embiid will also want out rather than play for this troubled franchise into his twilight years.
Joel Embiid Could Signal The End Of The Process
Embiid has been Philly’s big hope for almost 10 seasons now. He was drafted in 2014 but didn’t even get healthy enough to play regularly until 2016. He has gone from strength to strength in the regular season, finally winning MVP last season. He doesn’t look like the same player in the playoffs, never having advanced to the Conference Finals with Philly.
A lot of Philly’s failures can be put on his inability to deliver in the playoffs. But most of the blame should go to the 76ers’ front-office decision-making. They prioritized keeping Tobias Harris over Jimmy Butler, a laughable move given Butler has taken the Heat to three Conference Finals in four seasons since leaving.
The Ben Simmons’ situation was unfortunate but a disaster for the franchise. Even though they got a positive deal in James Harden, Harden’s impending departure due to front-office shenanigans could sour the taste in Embiid’s mouth.
Possible Destinations For Joel Embiid?
Embiid is under contract till 2027, so forcing a move out of the 76ers won’t be easy. Given how long Ben Simmons had to wait and James Harden is being made to wait, there is no way Daryl Morey will be willing to part with Embiid for minimal value. Thankfully, there are some big market teams that could go all-in for a player of Embiid’s caliber.
The New York Knicks would be one of the leaders in a presumed Embiid trade. They have heaps of picks and young players to satisfy any requirement the 76ers may have. Naturally, the 76ers can’t ask for the moon and stars if Embiid is forcing his way out, but a package of five or more first-round picks and the young stars in NY like Immanuel Quickley could make the deal tenable.
The Heat would want to reunite Embiid and Butler, but given their trade packages have been inadequate for Damian Lillard, it’s unlikely they have the assets to swing a move for Embiid.
An outside contender could be the Oklahoma City Thunder. They have the most promising future assets in the NBA and could have their pick of superstars when it comes to acquiring them in a trade.
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