What Did Joel Embiid Say of Joining Pacers?

Haliburton asked Embiid if he wanted to come to Indiana, to which Embid immediately responded with quite the ultimatum. 

“I might wanna come to Indy—Sike. Never in my life. I’d rather retire," Embiid said.

Although the 76ers received significant national media exposure, albeit of the negative variety, for the 2024-25 season, the Pacers had more success during the new millennium. 

The Pacers have made four Eastern Conference Finals appearances since 2000. Meanwhile, the 76ers have not reached this playoff round since 2001, thanks to franchise icon Allen Iverson's MVP season.

After Embiid's tumultuous 2024-25 campaign, which included pushing a media member, significant injuries to him and other team stars, and a 20-34 record before the season's final stretch, perhaps he'd like a change of scenery. 

However, even if Embiid did go back on his ultimatum stated during happier times, the 76ers center is under a three-year, $192.9 million contract. 

For now, Embiid can only envision what it means to play for a team currently fourth in the Eastern Conference. His reality is that of a lottery-level squad despite having championship aspirations before the season commenced. Maybe Embiid and Haliburton can revisit their conversation from the Olympics.