It’s been a big summer in Philadelphia. Following their second-round loss to the New York Knicks, the franchise is poised for a breakout season in 2026-27, led by Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, and newly acquired Finals MVP Jaylen Brown.
For his part, Joel Embiid has been quietly watching as he prepares to start his annual offseason training routine. While he has yet to speak publicly on the Brown trade, 76ers President Mike Gansey says the star big man is thrilled about the move and excited about the opportunity to compete for a championship next season.
“He is excited. He is in a really good space right now. First offseason where he is really healthy going into it,” said Gansey on the ‘Unfiltered’ podcast. “He’s starting to get into shape right now, and starting to ramp up a little bit. But he is fired up. I called him right after the trade, and he is surprised, but excited. It will obviously be a big change, but I think they are welcoming it and they’re excited to get the group together.”
The excitement has been palpable since Brown joined the 76ers. In just the first few days after the trade, several team members have reached out to express their joy. Brown himself is thrilled with his new surroundings, as it’s an opportunity to establish a legacy outside of Jayson Tatum’s shadow. Success, however, will depend on what happens at center, and whether Joel Embiid can rise to the occasion.
The 32-year-old superstar is a 10-year NBA veteran with career averages of 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 0.6 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game on 48.9% shooting and 33.3% shooting from three. As a seven-time All-Star and former MVP, he was once considered the face of the 76ers, but he has since been usurped by younger teammates.
To date, Embiid has yet to advance past the second round of the playoffs, marking the biggest blemish of his illustrious career. With Brown, though, that could change. As an NBA champion, Finals MVP, and two-way star who does everything on the court, Brown’s arrival gives the 76ers what they’ve been searching for: a proven star on the wing who can make his teammates better.
In the end, the biggest factor for this 76ers team will be health, specifically Embiid’s health throughout the season and into the playoffs. With such an extensive injury history, it’s hard to trust him to be available, but he’s got more incentive now than ever to get his body right and make a run that the fans will remember.
Of course, it’s worth mentioning that Philly may not be done making moves yet. As good as they are on paper, Jaylen Brown’s arrival has put them firmly in the race for LeBron James, who cites Philadelphia as a place he can achieve a satisfying ending. If they can somehow land LeBron and Jaylen Brown in one summer, it will only turn up the excitement, as Embiid would have his best chance at a ring to date.
