“I was scared (that) I’d get traded,” said Joel Embiid jokingly when a reporter asked about his impressive return. Well, the big man’s future with the Philadelphia 76ers doesn’t seem as bright as it should be. We all know how bad the season went for the team despite the inclusion of Paul George for four years with $212 million. 51 games into the season, President Daryl Morey laid out the blueprint for the Philly side’s future after weeding out aged assets at the deadline. Amid this situation, calls for Embiid & PG’s trade echoes!

The Sixers didn’t wait for the deadline. The team front office did their best at the 2024 off-season, roping in PG and Caleb Martin. Despite all these efforts, the Big 3 played only 11 games together, including tonight’s loss against the Pistons. It feels like the team’s championship aspirations have faded away as they stand outside the playoff picture as the 11th seed.

Amid this concerning period, Daryl Morey addressed the press post the deadline. The Sixers made an aggressive choice at the deadline, sending out Caleb Martin, Reggie Jackson, KJ Martin, and Pete Nance (Waived). Morey started off the presser, thanking these players, and making a poignant statement regarding the team’s future. “One of the general themes we wanted to add at this deadline was to get younger, get more dynamic,” said the highest executive of the team.

Moreover, Morey admitted that things really didn’t go the way the team expected and added, “I also think we were a little bit on the older side with the acquisitions this offseason.” It’s out and clear that the Sixers have a massive roster transformation in coming. While four players are already out, the team still has assets worth $231.5 million to clear – Paul George (34, $212 M), Andre Drummond (31, $10 M), Kyle Lowry (38, $3.3 M), and Eric Gordon (36, $6.6 M). While Joel Embiid touched 30 recently, an NBA legend called for his trade too!

Should Joel Embiid stay with the 76ers?

Darryl Morey didn’t just thank the people who left the fold, but also laid the road for the team’s future. The team acquired the promising young shooter, Quentin Grimes. Speaking of him, Morey noted, “Quinten Grimes was a key addition. We love his fit with Tyrese (Maxey) you know his ability to hit shots, his ability to be the primary defender of the guards in the perimeter. Jared (McCain), we see as someone who can really help us down the road as well .” 

So, the picture is pretty clear. The Sixers are seeing the future with Tyrese Maxey. So, where will Joel Embiid go? He also has the veteran forward Paul George with him. Kendrick Perkins, without any hesitation, said, “Trade them both.” 

He even pointed out how the Suns are standing at the crossroads with KD and added, “Same with the Philadelphia 76ers. Joel Embiid and Paul George and both in Tyrese Maxey’s way. At the end of the day, these habits that Joel Embiid. He’s been having bad habits and he’s starting to show out even more.”

However, Daryl Morey had an answer for Joel Embiid at the presser. When one of the reporters asked about the big man, he said, “Players like Joel are so special… And so we’re building around Joel, we’ve built around Joel, and we’ll continue to plan to build around Joel because he’s the special player that can help us win the championship.” 

It was definitely a mixed signal and we don’t have clarity on Paul George’s future either!

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.