Joel Embiid had been managing a left knee injury before Jonathan Kuminga inadvertently landed on it during last Tuesday’s game. Following an examination, Embiid was found to have a displaced flap in his meniscus, a form of tear. The  Philadelphia 76ers and the current MVP deliberated their choices before deciding on surgery. That means their stellar season is entering the void with the 7-foot center now rehabilitating and recovering from post-op.

Following this, the Sixers pulled a few peculiar moves before the Trade deadline, like swapping Patrick Beverley for Cam Payne and a second-round pick, while also parting ways with Danuel House Jr. and Jaden Springer. While they did acquire sharpshooter Buddy Hield, letting go of a vet like Beverly and an emerging prospect for a future second-round pick raised several eyebrows among fans.

Now, Draymond Green pulls back the curtain on the Sixer’s latest trade activity in the latest episode of his podcast. “Bucks trade for Patrick Beverly for campaign in 2027 seven second-round pick going back to the Philadelphia 76ers. I saw a lot of people saying, ‘Oh man, that’s a big loss for the Philadelphia 76ers.’ What that says to me is Joel Embiid not coming back this year,” said Green.

While Green is speculating, the Embiid-less Sixers have lost 7 of their last 8 games, and unless they were positive about his return the trade wouldn’t have happened.

Can Joel Embiid come back this season?

Fox Sports injury analyst Dr. Evan Jeffries forecasts 4-6 months for Embiid’s recovery post-meniscus repair. The procedure aims for long-term benefits and may extend the 29-year-old’s career. His absence poses a challenge for the 76ers. Meanwhile, their front office and important executives officially stated their optimism for his return. “We’re hopeful. Feedback has been more good than bad since first we heard about what led to his procedure. So we’re hopeful and we’re building the team to make it better this year,” said Sixers GM Daryl Morey.

Read More: Is Adam Silver to Be Blamed for Joel Embiid’s Career Threatening Injury?

Despite the reigning MVP being up for re-evaluation in four weeks, there doesn’t actually seem to be any ‘hope’ for his return if Green’s logic is to be considered. Still, Pat Bev and Springer’s trade has positive implications according to Morey, but fans will remain skeptical. What are your thoughts on this?

Let us know in the comments below.

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