Teams Keeping An Eye On How Much More Joel Embiid Is Willing To Endure With 76ers

Joel Embiid has experienced a fair share of upheaval with the Philadelphia 76ers and rival teams are keeping a close eye on how much more he’s willing to endure, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.

Jimmy Butler left the Sixers in the summer of 2019, Ben Simmons held out in 2021-22 and was traded to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden, who has now requested a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Embiid, who signed a four-year, $210 million extension with the Sixers in 2021, wants Harden to stay in Philadelphia. However, Harden intends to “never wear” a Sixers uniform again as long as Daryl Morey is employed by the franchise, sources told NBA Analysis Network.

Embiid has career averages of 27.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.7 blocks with the Sixers. He has made five All-NBA teams, six All-Star teams and three All-Defensive teams and has won two scoring titles and one MVP. However, the Sixers haven’t gotten past the second round of the playoffs in the Embiid era.

The New York Knicks have made acquiring Embiid their No. 1 priority, according to NBA insider Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Knicks president Leon Rose used to be Embiid’s agent at CAA.

Embiid is not expected to request a trade from the Sixers this season, but he could ask for a trade next offseason depending on how the Harden trade request plays out and how many games Philadelphia wins this season.

The Milwaukee Bucks acquired Damian Lillard and the Boston Celtics traded for Jrue Holiday. Meanwhile, the Sixers added only role players in the offseason. The team signed Kelly Oubre Jr., Patrick Beverley, Danny Green and Mo Bamba.