Kendrick Perkins offers stern warning for 76ers' Joel Embiid

Embiid was allegedly "shocked" by Rivers' firing, hinting that team president Daryl Morey and the rest of the Sixers' brass didn't consult him beforehand. 

Perkins said leaving Embiid out of the decision, coupled with the longstanding relationship between Morey and Harden, is a sign the team may be pushing the MVP to the side. 

"I'm just shocked. How can you fire a head coach without talking to your best player, your MVP?" Perkins said. "You know why? Because you're not his priority, James Harden is." 

A return to Philadelphia for Harden isn't a sure thing. According to insider Chris Haynes, Harden plans to decline his $35.6M player option for the 2023-24 season and seeks a four-year deal on a "competitive roster." 

On Wednesday, Morey told reporters that the Sixers wanted to sign Harden to a long-term deal. If Harden decides to go elsewhere, Morey said the team would "get more creative." Though he added that bringing Harden back is "scenario A." 

Harden took a pay cut last season, allowing Philly cap flexibility to add pieces, and he's unlikely to do the same this time. Rumors of a Harden return to the Houston Rockets have persisted, which should make the offseason an interesting one in Philly.