Pompey: Sixers Could Reassess Joel Embiid Or Paul George If Struggles Continue

After a disappointing season that ended without a playoff appearance, the franchise is at a potential pivot point. And while a major shake-up isn’t expected just yet, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer isn’t ruling anything out if the team’s issues linger.

In a recent mailbag, Pompey floated the possibility — however slim — that either Joel Embiid or forward Paul George could become trade candidates if the Sixers fail to right the ship early next season. Both stars are on massive, long-term deals, which would complicate any move.

But if Philadelphia underperforms again, head of basketball operations Daryl Morey could be forced to consider dramatic options.

Of course, such a move would be seismic, and Pompey makes it clear this isn’t something actively being explored. Still, the fact that it’s even a topic shows the uncertainty swirling around the franchise heading into a critical offseason.

At No. 3 overall, the Sixers are widely expected to pursue a prospect who fits alongside Embiid and George, not one who replaces them. But one mailbag question pushed Pompey to consider what it would mean if the team were to select 7-foot-2 Duke center Khaman Maluach.

That, Pompey wrote, would signal deeper internal doubts about Embiid’s long-term health and availability — something the organization hasn’t publicly acknowledged. Maluach, a raw but high-upside prospect, is not expected to be the Sixers’ pick.

Still, the idea reflects a growing sentiment among fans, and that would be that it may be time to think about what comes after Embiid, even if the Sixers aren’t ready to say it out loud.

For now, all signs point to the Sixers staying the course, using the pick to add a complementary piece and counting on a healthy Embiid-George duo to return to contention.

But the pressure is real. And if next season mirrors the last, everything and everyone could be on the table.