Jason Burgos
The Philadelphia 76ers need to move on from Joel Embiid, and there is one possible way to do that this summer. But it would mean getting another expensive, injury-prone big man, and could cost them their first-round pick in June.
Over a week ago, there was a lot of hope in Philadelphia about the Sixers’ postseason chances. They had just eliminated the Boston Celtics in the first round after shockingly coming back from a 3-1 deficit. Many analysts around the game suggested they were the new favorites to reach the NBA Finals from the East. Then they ran into a buzz saw called the New York Knicks.
The organization has a lot of decisions to make after the 76ers were dominated and swept by New York. Is Daryl Morey’s run as team president over? Should coach Nick Nurse be ousted? Yet, for whoever is running the team next month, one era that does need to end is Embiid’s time in the City of Brotherly Love.
Why the Philadelphia 76ers must trade Joel Embiid this summer
The seven-time All-Star and 2022-23 NBA MVP will go down as one of the greatest players in 76ers history. He will also be one of the greatest “what if” stories in league history. While once being an impressive athlete for a man of his size, the 32-year-old’s body is now a mess. Over his 10 years in the league, he has played in 60 or more games only four times because of countless injuries, mostly to his legs.
In 2025-26, the 76ers placed him in bubble wrap and let him play in just 38 games this season after suiting up in 19 last year. Although he can still perform at an All-Star level when healthy — he posted 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks this season — his body simply can’t be trusted. That was proven during these playoffs, and with $186 million left on his contract, he is a far bigger problem for the organization than a benefit.
Making it all the more worse is that he has become a toxic personality at a time when Tyrese Maxey must become the new face of the franchise. He once again couldn’t take ownership of his team’s failings against the Knicks and blamed the referees. Then called a season where he played in 38 games a “success.” In a blue-collar town like Philadelphia, Embiid has worn out his welcome. The 76ers must turn the page to progress.
Yet, because he is so briddle and has shown that he may never regain his previous form — along with being owed so much money — he is probably the most untradeable player in the NBA. Unless he were moved for a similar player, and a sweetener were added to the deal.
Should the 76ers pursue a Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis swap?
In many ways, 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis has had a similar career to Embiid. He was also a top pick with superstar projections. And while he could also be a dominant force like Embiid when on the court, injury woes have followed him his entire career. Furthermore, he has a ton of money still coming to him. Davis could make as much as $121 million over the next two years if he opts into the final year of his contract in 2027-28.
The Washington Wizards traded for him earlier this year and hope he — and Trae Young — can be part of a huge resurgence next season. Yet, reports have suggested he is not thrilled about playing in DC, and might be open to another trade. But would the Wizards be willing to take Embiid back in a trade? Probably not.
However, if the 76ers were bold enough to add draft picks, they might. While Washington has hopes of a big turnaround next season, they are still a rebuilding team that has the No. 1 pick in next month’s NBA Draft. What if they could also have the 22nd overall pick in one of the deepest drafts ever? As well as another first-rounder in a few years?
It would be a high cost for the 76ers. But they have the pieces to be very good again next season and aren’t as desperate to keep that pick at 22. Moving Embiid would be an addition by subtraction move. Plus, having Davis, even for one season, is still a very good replacement option.
While a trade isn’t likely, if the 76ers can persuade anyone to take Joel Embiid, his drama, and his contract, the Wizards would be the best trade partner.
