The Philadelphia 76ers Need to Finally Trade Embiid

For years, Joel Embiid stood as the cornerstone of the Philadelphia 76ers’ ambitions — a dominant center, former MVP, and the face of their win-now hopes.

But as his body falters and the team’s future shifts toward youthful talent, the time has come for Philadelphia to acknowledge a difficult truth: trading Embiid might no longer be a regret; it might be their smartest long-term move.

Injuries and Declining Availability Undermine Embiid’s Value

Embiid has battled chronic knee problems for years, with recent surgeries and recurring setbacks cutting deeply into his playing time. He appeared in only 19 games over the course of last season, a dramatic drop from his earlier, healthier years of playing over 60 games.

That kind of uncertainty, especially for a 31-year-old center on a massive contract, creates major questions. For any franchise hoping to build sustained success, they need to look into finding a better fit.

Medical experts and front-office strategists have talked in the past about all the risks involved with Embiid. More procedures would sideline him again, possibly for an extended period, with no guarantee of returning to MVP form. At a certain point, consistent availability matters more than flashes of brilliance.

A Rising Young Core That Needs Flexibility

Meanwhile, the 76ers’ backcourt and wings have started to show serious promise. This emerging core thrives in a faster, more dynamic style built around mobility, shooting, and spacing. Embiid’s traditional, low-post-heavy game style, plus the limitations imposed by his health, increasingly clash with that direction.

At the same time, Embiid’s massive salary becomes a cap anchor, limiting the team’s ability to build around the youth. With young stars like VJ Edgecombe, Jared McCain, and Dominick Barlow, the team has valuable options to build up the future.

Capitalizing on their potential is crucial; however, managing the financial constraints imposed by the veteran player’s salary complicates matters. To create a competitive roster, the team must find a way to balance the need for experienced leadership with the necessity of investing in its young stars.