Former All-Star believes Joel Embiid may be looking for a way out of Philly
Following recent comments from star Joel Embiid surrounding the possibility of leaving the Philadelphia 76ers, former All-Star Gilbert Arenas weighed in, hinting that the reigning MVP may force a trade because he "sees the writing on the wall."
"Looking at where [the Sixers] are now, James Harden, if he doesn't come back and he doesn't want to be there anymore, you got a guy just sitting there like, 'What we gonna do?'" Arenas said on his podcast Wednesday. "There's no room for him anymore. So, he's on the fence too."
While Harden may be looking for greener pastures and a one-way ticket out of Philly, Arenas says the same ending will come for Embiid in the "City of Brotherly Love."
"They gonna trade him too, just like James Harden," Arenas said.
Earlier this week, Embiid said he wanted to win an NBA title, "Whether it's in Philly or anywhere else," sparking outrage among the Sixers faithful.
While general manager Daryl Morey tried to douse the flames by reiterating that Embiid wanted to stay and win as a Sixer, the MVP's words will be remembered and used against him in a rabid sports town like Philadelphia.
With even more pressure on the Sixers than usual, Embiid's comments come while the Harden situation remains unresolved. Harden opted into his player option ($35.6M) for 2023-24 for the purpose of demanding a trade out of Philly.
Morey and the Sixers say they're willing to satisfy Harden's request, but only if they receive a "very good player" or assets to get one. Meanwhile, Embiid recently said he hoped Harden would have a "change of heart," and return to the Sixers. However, the chances of Harden playing home games at the Wells Fargo Center next season remain slim.
Once expected to contend regularly atop the East with Embiid leading the way, the Sixers have underachieved at every turn.
Now, while it seems the foundation of a championship squad is crumbling around them, the idea that Embiid could don another team's jersey one day soon isn't that far-fetched.
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