Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has been named as a potential trade candidate, according to a recent Bleacher Report list predicting the next five NBA superstars who could hit the trade market.
With the shocking Luka Doncic trade to the Los Angeles Lakers last season, the NBA landscape has shifted, showing that no player is truly untouchable. Now, speculation is rising about Embiid’s future in Philadelphia, especially amid ongoing concerns about his long-term health.
Injury Concerns & Playoff Struggles
Embiid, 30, has been one of the NBA’s most dominant players, earning seven consecutive All-Star appearances and winning the 2022-23 MVP award. However, his career has been plagued by injuries.
- Missed first two NBA seasons due to foot injuries
- Played only 39 games last season due to a knee injury that required surgery
- Limited to just 17 games this season before the All-Star break due to lingering knee issues
His health issues have forced the Sixers into difficult playoff positions, including last season’s Play-In Tournament appearance as the seventh seed. This season, they are once again battling just to make the Play-In Tournament.
Will the Sixers Trade Embiid?
While Embiid’s health struggles make a trade conversation more reasonable than before, the 76ers are unlikely to move on from their franchise star unless he requests a trade. Philadelphia previously showed faith in him by offering a $193 million contract extension through 2029.
However, if the Sixers continue to struggle and fall short of title contention, front office leader Daryl Morey could be forced to consider drastic moves.
For now, the idea of Embiid being traded remains a long shot, but with his injury history and the team’s struggles, it’s not entirely impossible.
