
via Imago
Image Credits: Imago

via Imago
Image Credits: Imago
Just a few days after James Harden called Sixers President Daryl Morey a liar at an event in China, Philadelphia might be on the verge of losing both its superstars very soon. Harden publicly revealed his discontent and frustration with the Sixers’ front office saying, “Daryl Morey is a liar, and I’ll never be a part of an organization that he’s a part of.”
Harden’s exit from Philadelphia seems inevitable, and this has sparked trade rumors surrounding the Sixers’ franchise player and reigning MVP, Joel Embiid.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Joel Embiid might follow if Harden leaves Philadelphia
After Harden’s comments, Joel Embiid removed all the Philadelphia associations from his Twitter bio, leaving the NBA world in a frenzy. In no time, NBA analysts started the discussion about the possible destination for the reigning MVP.
According to Kelly Iko of the Athletic, the Houston Rockets might be a possible destination for Embiid because of his relationship with the Rockets’ new head coach, Ime Udoka.
Udoka coached Embiid in 2013 at Adidas Nations Camp and then watched Embiid develop his game during his stint as the lead assistant in Philadelphia from 2019 to 2020. Udoka also attended Embiid’s wedding a few weeks back.
The Houston Rockets are a team to watch for Joel Embiid, per @KellyIko
“Another team is Houston, just because of the bond between Joel and Ime [Udoka]. Maybe in the next year or so… because obviously, if Joel stays this season and plays it out, that’s one thing.
But moving… pic.twitter.com/qg89xrOGra— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 16, 2023
After many seasons of disappointment and absence from the playoffs, the Houston Rockets finally look set on rebuilding their squad. With young stars like Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, the Rockets added Fred VanVleet, Jeff Green and Dillion Brooks to their squad to provide some much-needed playoff experience to the team.
The Rockets also picked up Amen Thompson in this year’s draft, who has the potential to be a superstar in the future. With a much-improved roster, Joel Embiid’s addition could be the turning point for the former James Harden-led franchise.
As the drama around James Harden escalates, the NBA world has mixed reactions about Joel Embiid’s possible departure from the team.
Joel Embiid’s trade rumors spark a debate on social media
Some fans are in denial of the rumors altogether:
What the hell is going on https://t.co/j5oGFBeSBe
— deej (@djaysux) August 17, 2023
He aint going anywhere stop the madness
— Bogs (@sixers2022LG) August 16, 2023
No no no no no no no no no no way.
— RedNationZ (@zeb_agbanyim) August 16, 2023
Others are trolling Embiid and the Sixers for the potential trade:
Hell nah. We got Sengun. I don’t want that cry baby
— Dirky 🧔🏻♂️ (@713Capital) August 16, 2023
Rip to the process 🤣🗑️
— KayC (@ImKayC_) August 16, 2023
harden and Embiid don’t believe in the process anymore
— Richie (@1SyllabIe) August 16, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Joel Embiid has managed to thrive in an environment that has constantly been affected by drama. In the early stages of his career, it was the Markelle Fultz saga. Then, Embiid had to go through the aftermath of Ben Simmons’ playoff disaster. Now, it is the drama surrounding James Harden.
With Embiid in his prime, he might look to find a more peaceful and stable environment to play in. After winning the MVP, NBA fans expect him to win a championship soon, and it looks highly unlikely in Philadelphia if his superstar teammate leaves the city.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story: “Victory Dance on Daryl Morey”: Just a Day After James Harden Stunned the NBA World, His Dance Moves With Chinese Star Might Do It Again
Do you think Joel Embiid will stay with the Philadelphia 76ers or ask for a trade? Tell us in the comments!
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT