Recently, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been the subject of soft trade rumors. While there is likely no smoke to the fire (yet), it is still telling that some NBA insiders believe Embiid could be on the move. The Cameroon native has constantly dealt with injuries and may need another knee surgery in the offseason. Additionally, Embiid is under contract through the 2028-29 season.
The 76ers (who are 20-34 and own the No. 11 seed in the East) are having arguably the most disappointing season among all the teams in the NBA. Naturally, it could make sense for them to re-tool sooner rather than later and start over. However, according to NBA trainer Drew Hanlen, who works with Embiid, fans should not expect this to happen.
In a recent interview with Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin O’Connor, Hanlen gave some insight on Embiid’s future in Philadelphia. Hanlen called Embiid a Philadelphia “lifer” (YouTube link).
“He’s a lifer, yeah,” Hanlen said about Embiid’s future with the 76ers. “That’s the cool thing about working with some of these guys. I’m fortunate to work with some of these guys. You look at Jayson [Tatum] who gets drafted into Boston, he’s not leaving Boston. He loves Boston, he has a connection with the fanbase, he wants to hang as many banners for the Celtics as he can. Joel, he’s been through the ups and downs of Philly…a lot of ups and downs.”
The 76ers drafted Embiid third overall in 2014, and he has spent his entire NBA career with the team to this point. As a 76er, the Kansas alum is a one-time MVP, a two-time scoring champion, a seven-time All-Star, a five-time All-NBA selection, and a three-time All-Defensive Team selection.
Joel Embiid’s Trainer Gives Major Update On His Philadelphia 76ers Future
Joel Embiid is ‘Not Tradeablae,’ According to NBA Insider
Even if the 76ers wanted to trade Embiid, it may be easier said than done. Recently, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst spoke about the 76ers having “a Joel Embiid problem.” Windhorst mentioned that Embiid’s injuries are a real concern for the team and that his contract makes it virtually impossible for the 76ers to trade him.
“Yes, absolutely,” said Brian Windhorst when asked if the Sixers have a Joel Embiid problem. “Because, I know that people would like this to be a cut and dry issue, you either need surgery or you don’t. That’s not necessarily clear here. He has seen a number of specialists. There isn’t a clear path on how to resolve this issue. He’s still playing obviously. They’ve got him playing. If they thought he needed knee surgery, trust me, the Sixers would have dealt with it. He’s playing right now.
“He’s not tradeable right now,” added Windhorst. “That contract makes his value not realistic. And just on Friday, Daryl Morey coming out of the trade deadline still reaffirm ‘We think he’s a top-five player. We don’t regret signing Paul George.’”
By the sound of things, a trade is unlikely. However, a lot of crazy things have happened in the NBA. Embiid’s situation in Philadelphia is worth monitoring from here on out.
Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
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