Joel Embiid drops cryptic message on his 76ers future

Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Joel Embiid drops cryptic message on his 76ers future

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints
By Jedd Pagaduan, ClutchPoints | Last updated May 11, 2026 2:01 AM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers could not muster much of a fight in Game 4 of their first-round series against the New York Knicks, as they started slow in the first quarter and couldn’t recover on their way to a 144-114 defeat. Joel Embiid was clearly not 100 percent for this entire series after he gave up life and limb just so the 76ers could exorcise their playoff demons against the Boston Celtics, and it clearly cost the 76ers in the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.

At this point, there is so much uncertainty for Embiid and the 76ers. It’s not quite clear what direction the team will be taking from here on out, and even Embiid is in the dark regarding his immediate future, excitement regarding next season notwithstanding.

“I’m excited about next season,” Embiid said in his postgame presser, via ESPN. “I don’t know who’s gonna be here, I don’t even know if I’m gonna be here. But whatever happens, happens. But for me, I’m excited about really getting back to myself.”

"I don't know who's gonna be here, I don't even know if I'm gonna be here. But whatever happens, happens."

Joel Embiid on his future with the Sixers

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Embiid showed in the Celtics series that he has plenty of gas left in the tank even though his body has already gone through so much. His knees have accrued so much wear and tear, and at 32 years of age, it’s not clear how many more quality seasons he has left in the tank. This also makes him an unlikely trade candidate, as his health makes him far too risky for any other team to take on.

It may not even come as a surprise if Embiid, once his contract expires at the end of the 2028-29 season, decides to hang it up early. But as long as Embiid is with the 76ers, Philadelphia has hope — especially if he can channel his form back in the 2023-24 season before he tore his meniscus.

If Embiid’s knees continue to hold up, which should allow him to be more of an impactful player on the defensive end, then the 76ers can certainly bounce back in a big way next season.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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