A recent Bleacher Report article flirted with the idea of trading Joel Embiid. Would this help the 76ers and their quest for a championship or set them back?
In a recent Bleacher Report article outlining one potential trade candidate for every NBA team, the Philadelphia 76ers were linked to the idea of moving Joel Embiid.
"As much as the Philadelphia 76ers would probably like to trade Joel Embiid or Paul George this offseason, their massive contracts will keep them in town," B/R's Greg Swartz wrote. "The 76ers really have no reason to trade him [Justin Edwards], however, and should see if Embiid has any market at all."
While the concept generates headlines, it doesn't align with the reality of where the franchise stands.
At 31 years old, Embiid is still playing at an elite level. This season, he has averaged an efficient 27 points per game to go along with 7 rebounds and 4 assists. His ability to score in the post, operate in the mid-range area, and space the floor from beyond the arc makes him one of the most difficult players to gameplan for in the entire NBA. Players of his caliber aren't easily replaced.
The argument for trading Embiid centers around two concerns: his injury history and large contract. While both reasons are valid, they shouldn't outweigh what he can still do on the court. When healthy, Embiid can elevate the Sixers; the team has a 23-13 record with him on the court compared to a 19-21 record without him. The numbers tell a clear story: his presence results in wins.
Financially, moving Embiid isn't as simple as it sounds. Over the next two years, he will be making $62 and $66 million, one of the highest totals in the league. That figure, combined with being a center that has had a history of lower-body injuries and will be nearing his mid-30s by the time the contract expires, makes the contract hard to move. Even with his elite play this season, teams will likely be wary of how age will impact the big man. Barring a very surprising trade, the Sixers will be keeping Embiid for the foreseeable future.
As a result, the Sixers should focus on maximizing their current window. With Tyrese Maxey continuing to develop into an All-NBA-caliber guard and young players emerging, Philadelphia is still able to be a solid contender. The priority should be building a more consistent supporting cast around Embiid, not moving on from him.
That's where discussion around players such as Justin Edwards becomes more relevant. Edwards represents the type of cost-controlled, developmental wing that teams need to pair with star players.
Overall, trading Embiid would signal a reset. The Sixers aren't a team that is trying to rebuild; they are trying to break through in an open conference. As long as Embiid is performing at an elite level, the goal should remain clear: build around him, not move on from him.
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Wes Dixon is a contributing writer to 76ersRoundtable. He can be reached at dixonwesley286@gmail.com.