
The writing is on the wall — it’s time for the Philadelphia 76ers to move on from Joel Embiid. The former NBA MVP is on the shelf once again, dealing with swelling in his left knee. This comes during a nightmarish season where he’s only played in 13 of the 76ers’ 39 games, missing time due to left knee injury management, suspension, sinus fracture, left foot sprain, and now this latest issue. Philadelphia needs to build a team where they can count on their top star being on the floor on a nightly basis. Here are six reasons why Embiid’s time in Philadelphia is over.
Can’t build a team around a superstar who is unable to play

Before the season even started, Embiid and the 76ers indicated he wouldn’t be playing in any back-to-back games this year in hopes of keeping him healthy for the playoffs. That plan hasn’t worked. The team that the 76ers put on the court was built around Embiid, but now, they’re still trying to find their footing nearly halfway through the season. Currently sitting at 15-24 before Saturday night’s game against the Indiana Pacers, the 76ers are on the outside looking in at the playoffs.
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76ers need to sit Joel Embiid rest of season and ‘tank’ for draft pick

It’s readily apparent Embiid will not stay healthy this season, and with the 76ers nine games under .500 and a playoff run looking like a pipe dream, it’s time to sit the seven-time All-Star. Without Embiid, the 76ers are one of the worst teams in the league, and they need to take advantage of that come the 2025 NBA Draft. The team has a top-six protected pick, meaning if it falls outside No. 6, it will go to the Oklahoma City Thunder. But this upcoming draft is teeming with talent, including Duke’s Cooper Flagg, who could become an instant star in Philadelphia. The 76ers also need to get Embiid as healthy as possible and let him heal up so they can make their move next offseason.
Related: WATCH: Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid suffers unreal injury scare during pregame warmups
76ers need to trade Joel Embiid

The 76ers are unable to trade Embiid this season after signing him to a three-year, $193 million extension in September 2024. Because of that, the 76ers would have to wait until the offseason to find takers for the big man. Embiid would need to go to a contending team that won’t constantly falter with him not playing — like the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, and Phoenix Suns, to name a few. It might be a daunting task as Embiid is owed nearly $300 million through the 2028-29 season, but the 76ers need to get out from under the contract and refocus their franchise with a new centerpiece.
Time for 76ers to center team around Tyrese Maxey

The 76ers have a budding superstar to build around — All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey. The 2020 first-round pick made the leap last year, averaging 25.9 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, as he was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player. He has seen his field goal and three-point percentage slip a bit this season as he’s been carrying most of the load, but he’s still putting up 26 points a game.
Start focusing on future free agents

If the 76ers are able to trade Embiid and his hefty contract, they can allocate that money for future superstars who may hit free agency. In 2025, Kyrie Irving will be available (if he doesn’t pick up his player option), while in 2026, you have Luka Doncic (if he doesn’t pick up his option) and Kevin Durant. In 2027, the “Greek Freak” Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis will also be available if they don’t pick up their options.
Unfair to 76ers fans to put inferior product on court

Philadelphia 76ers fans have dealt with A LOT over the past decade. On top of Embiid’s injuries, there’s the 76ers’ inability to get past the second round of the playoffs, Kawhi Leonard’s quadruple-doink three-pointer, Ben Simmons passing up a dunk in Game 7 against the Atlanta Hawks, Ben Simmons himself, Sam Hinkie’s abrupt firing amid “Trusting the Process,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver foisting the Colangelos upon the franchise, Twittergate, drafting Markelle Fultz over Jayson Tatum, drafting Villanova product Mikal Bridges only to ship him to the Phoenix Suns, trading away Jimmy Butler, signing Tobias Harris to a max contract, and the James Harden drama — just to name a few.
Fans can’t continue coming to games wondering if Embiid is healthy enough to play. They pay too much money to watch their favorite team. It’s time for the 76ers to make it right and consistently put the best team out on the court. And that starts by moving on from Embiid.