{"id":108258,"date":"2024-11-21T11:22:20","date_gmt":"2024-11-21T16:22:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=108258"},"modified":"2024-11-21T11:22:20","modified_gmt":"2024-11-21T16:22:20","slug":"sixers-joel-embiid-trade-talks-endless-drama","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/21\/sixers-joel-embiid-trade-talks-endless-drama\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Sixers Star End Up In Trade Talks Amid Endless Drama?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Philadelphia 76ers going through a tough time but <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/19\/76ers-nurse-coaching\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">they\u2019re trying, Jennifer<\/a>. It\u2019s hard to overcome injuries to one star player, let alone three. Yet, at the start of their 2024-25 campaign, that\u2019s what the Sixers have had to contend with.<\/p>\n<p>Sixers face of the franchise <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/e\/embiijo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joel Embiid<\/a> entered the season having trouble with his knee. This wasn\u2019t news in the sense that Embiid had <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/01\/sixers-mvps-potential-injury-return-date-revealed\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">sustained a significant knee injury<\/a> last season but rushed back from it in order to be ready for the playoffs. However, with Embiid playing for Team USA in the Paris Olympics this summer, it was particularly frustrating to hear.<\/p>\n<p>His new sidekick, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/georgpa01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Paul George<\/a>, has already hyperextended his knee twice since suiting up for Philadelphia. There are rumors that Embiid\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/21\/joel-embiid-paul-george\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">preferred offseason target<\/a> was actually Miami Heat forward <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/butleji01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jimmy Butler<\/a>. His recent proclamation that <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/20\/joel-embiid-calls-jimmy-butler-the-best\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">his former teammate is the best player<\/a> in the NBA might add credibility to this.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Safe to say Joel Embiid wants Paul George on his team next year <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/DmYuCN9R4K\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/DmYuCN9R4K<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 The Ultimate Lineup (@TheUltLineup_) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TheUltLineup_\/status\/1801783213762789436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">June 15, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Nonetheless, Embiid personally recruited George, who <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/07\/23\/sixers-highlights-paul-george-introductory-conference\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">talked a good game<\/a> during his introductory press conference but has only had two good games this season.<\/p>\n<p>Then there\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/maxeyty01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyrese Maxey<\/a>, who missed multiple games with a hamstring injury. Maxey is taking on more of a leadership role on and off the court on the heels of winning the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/04\/23\/sixers-tyrese-maxey-walks-away-nba-most-improved-player-award\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">2024 Most Improved Player Award<\/a>. He\u2019s tended to struggle with his efficiency when Embiid is on the court, but is viewed as his second-in-command.<\/p>\n<h2>Will Sixers\u2019 Joel Embiid End Up In Trade Talks Amid Endless Drama?<\/h2>\n<p>Frankly, the Sixers being 2-12 reflects more than their unfortunate circumstances though. The Los Angeles Clippers, Orlando Magic, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and Oklahoma City Thunder have all had at least one star player injured for multiple games this season. Yet, they\u2019re all above .500. Consequently, Sixers head coach Nick Nurse and president Daryl Morey do share some of the blame for the team\u2019s struggles.<\/p>\n<p>However, the biggest problem in Philadelphia isn\u2019t that their Hall of Fame big man and his sidekicks have gotten off to a rough start. Right now, the issue is a relationship that might be starting to splinter.<\/p>\n<p>First, Morey and Sixers general manager Elton Brand <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/06\/sixers-response-joel-embiid-altercation-lead-split\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">publicly sided with beat reporter Marcus Hayes<\/a> after he made snide and unnecessary remarks about Embiid\u2019s late brother. Embiid was certainly out of line for shoving Hayes. Still, the seriousness of the Hayes\u2019s comments should\u2019ve led to the franchise trying to protect their star rather than his antagonist.<\/p>\n<p>After that, ESPN senior insider Shams Charania reported that Embiid had <a href=\"https:\/\/www.espn.com\/nba\/story\/_\/id\/42486989\/sources-tyrese-maxey-challenged-joel-embiid-76ers-meeting\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">been called out<\/a> by Maxey for his lack of punctuality. Maxey had every right to voice his displeasure and frustration. Furthermore, he and Embiid appear to have a solid relationship by all accounts. Regardless, Embiid took exception <a href=\"https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/ginamizell.bsky.social\/post\/3lbgpukozkk2t\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">to the meeting being leaked<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhoever leaked that is a real piece of s***,\u201d Embiid says, per The Philadelphia Inquirer\u2019s Gina Mizell. \u201cBut even then, we talked about a lot of things. I don\u2019t want to get into the details, but that whole thing probably took 30 seconds.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;m the reason for everything, so I&#8217;ll take the blame for everything,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s worth noting that only a Sixers employee \u2014be it a player, coach, or executive \u2014would\u2019ve been privy to that information.<\/p>\n<h3>What\u2019s The Deal?<\/h3>\n<p>At this point, it\u2019s almost like the Sixers are <em>trying<\/em> to taint their relationship with Embiid.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s one thing for Embiid to constantly be criticized by the fans and media for his lack of availability. That being said, he\u2019s addressed that recently as well, saying he\u2019s \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/01\/philadelphia-76ers-star-big-man-responds-to-critics-after-announce-he-remains-out\/\" target=\"_self\">done too much for (Philadelphia)<\/a>\u201d to be treated that way. However, it\u2019s another issue entirely for Embiid to be put on an island.<\/p>\n<p>By failing to publicly defend Embiid after a personal attack, that\u2019s what the Sixers did though. When they added fuel to the fire by leaking an inflammatory report, they continued to do so. The next thing people know, there\u2019ll be rumors that Philadelphia had engaged with other teams about an Embiid-centered trade.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Wow we have reached the stage of things that I am being emailed odds for Joel Embiid\u2019s next team<\/p>\n<p>Just want to reinforce once again that Embiid cannot legally be traded this year because of the extension he signed this summer. Deep breaths everybody <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/0XFbiFvaaF\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/0XFbiFvaaF<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Sean_Barnard1\/status\/1859264533858070977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">November 20, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>In fact, there are already betting odds on which team Embiid will play for next season amidst all this drama. Because <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/09\/20\/philadelphia-76ers-ink-extension-with-joel-embiid-what-it-means-going-forward\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">he signed a max contract extension<\/a> shortly after the summer, Embiid couldn\u2019t be traded this season, which seems unlikely anyhow. Nonetheless, if this season continues to be a dumpster fire on and particularly off the court, he and the Sixers <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/06\/sixers-response-joel-embiid-altercation-lead-split\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">could eventually split<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>Embiid\u2019s Potential Destinations<\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of teams that make sense for Embiid. He\u2019s been linked to the New York Knicks for years. However, while he\u2019s not a true center, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/townska01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Karl-Anthony Towns<\/a>\u2019s arrival could make Embiid a less appealing target.<\/p>\n<p>Instead, he could join Butler in Miami. Though Spoelstra prefers small-ball concepts, it would be interesting, especially if they can hold onto <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/adebaba01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bam Adebayo<\/a>. Yet, Butler is reportedly <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/10\/21\/heat-jimmy-butler-eyeing-free-agency-not-extension\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">eyeing free agency<\/a>. If he leaves the Heat, he\u2019s been linked to the Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, and Houston Rockets.<\/p>\n<p>Among those teams, the Rockets and Nets might be the most logical destinations for Embiid. Houston <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/21\/rockets-reportedly-wont-trade-youth-giannis\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">seemingly backing away<\/a> from two-time MVP <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/antetgi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a> throws cold water on the idea of him playing for them. Still, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka\u2019s a defensive-minded coach who might prefer Embiid over <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/s\/sengual01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alperen Sengun<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Due to the assets they hold, Antetokounmpo is seen as a potential offseason target for Brooklyn, too. The interest might <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/11\/01\/trade-rumor-will-superstar-be-traded-nets\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_self\">even be mutual<\/a>. That being said, the Nets likely can only land two max stars next offseason and view <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/claxtni01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nic Claxton<\/a> as their franchise center. When push comes to shove, they could choose to pair Embiid with Butler or Antetokounmpo though.<\/p>\n<p>The Toronto Raptors are one of the dark horse destinations for Embiid. They could have the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft thanks to their injury luck. On top of that, they have star-caliber players at every position except center, though <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/poeltja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jakob Poeltl<\/a> is nobody to sneeze at. A core of Embiid, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/barnesc01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Scottie Barnes<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/b\/barrerj01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">RJ Barrett<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/q\/quickim01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Immanuel Quickley<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/dickgr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gradey Dick<\/a> could take the Raptors a long way.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Philadelphia 76ers going through a tough time but they\u2019re trying, Jennifer. It\u2019s hard to overcome injuries to one star player, let alone three. Yet, at the start of their 2024-25 campaign, that\u2019s what the Sixers have had to contend with. Sixers face of the franchise Joel Embiid entered the season having trouble with his [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5008,"featured_media":108276,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[13,1608,6,31,16,62,3,14,4721],"tags":[1107,306,142,267,4774,1382,50,2478],"class_list":["post-108258","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-76ers","category-basketball","category-nets","category-rockets","category-heat","category-nba","category-news","category-raptors","category-trade-rumors","tag-daryl-morey","tag-giannis-antetokounmpo","tag-jimmy-butler","tag-joel-embiid","tag-rumors","tag-nba-trade","tag-paul-george","tag-tyrese-maxey"],"modified_by":"Quenton S Albertie","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108258","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5008"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=108258"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/108258\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/108276"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=108258"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=108258"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=108258"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}