Amid James Harden Drama, Joel Embiid Links Up With Kevin Durant to Witness NFL Side’s New Magic Johnson Era

The Philadelphia 76ers are in disarray. Since James Harden asked out and blasted the Franchise publicly, things are only becoming muddier. This may have caused a ripple effect. After James Harden, Joel Embiid doesn’t look too keen on continuing his famed “process”. So much so that he removed the “Processing” from his Twitter bio. This has caused a frenzy in both the 76ers and the NBA world alike. Where will Harden and Embiid end up? Will they be on the 76ers when the next season begins? Such uncertainties have led to wild speculations.

Will Joel Embiid and Kevin Durant team up?

In July, during an interview with Mav Carter, Embiid stated he wants to win a championship, whether it is in Philly or “anywhere else”. Anywhere else is a big giveaway considering how religiously the Center followed Sam Hinkie’s Process and wanted a ring with the 76ers. To further fuel the speculation train, he was spotted with Kevin Durant, watching a Washington Commanders game, the Franchise whose minority stakes Magic Johnson recently purchased.

A video of this incident has now surfaced too. In the video, on the extreme left, principal owner and managing partner of the 76ers is sitting beside KD. Apart from that, Michael Rubin is in an intense discussion with Kevin Durant, seemingly explaining something. KD is also actively engaging in the conversation. Rubin had minority stakes in the 76ers from 2011 to 2022 and has been an active part of the NBA business side. Meanwhile, Embiid is also in a conversation with someone behind him.

KD’s presence alongside people affiliated with the 76ers is intriguing. Embiid has expressed his desire to win a title at any cost. He has removed his famous Twitter bio, but he has still not publicly asked out of the 76es. 

Where are the 76ers heading?

Although Embiid may not have done so, Harden did it despite owner Harris meeting the Guard personally. Incidentally, the occasion was the Fourth of July party, thrown by Michael Rubin. It means that the organization tried its best to convince Harden. However, his latest comments in China calling Philly’s President of Basketball Operations Morey a “liar” only worsened things for both parties. The history between China and Morey is strained who had criticized the nation’s government heavily in 2019. Harden knows it well, yet he poured gasoline. 

READ MORE: 4 Years After the China Controversy, 10x All-Star James Harden Visits Special Place, Amid Clippers Trade Rumors

Such is the extent of the strained relationship between the player and the franchise. Embiid’s own demeanor looks to be shaken by the Guard’s actions. He had a great on-court chemistry with him last season, helping him win the MVP. Then what does this latest meeting with KD suggest?

With Suns’ DeAndre Ayton being in trade rumors for more than a year, is something cooking here?

Watch This Story: Despite Cardiac Arrest, LeBron James and Bronny James to Be Future 76ers Target as James Harden-Joel Embiid Drama Grows, per Insider