Will Joel Embiid’s Injury Affect 76ers’ Trade Deadline Plans?

As the 2023-2024 NBA season progresses, the Philadelphia 76ers face a challenge that’s unfortunately all too familiar, as Joel Embiid could potentially find himself in a lengthy recovery period.

To be clear, the Sixers have yet to finalize a treatment plan and timeline for return regarding the big man, who was diagnosed with a lateral meniscus injury during Tuesday’s outing against the Golden State Warriors. 

Embiid and the Sixers expect to make a final decision on his recovery in the coming days. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, they could reach a decision as soon as Monday.

For the time being, Embiid is out for Philadelphia. He missed the five-game road trip finale against the Utah Jazz on Thursday night and won’t be suited up with the team when they take on the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center.

While the timing of an injury is never ideal, the Sixers find themselves searching for answers just as the 2024 trade deadline is quickly approaching. By the end of next week, the Sixers won’t have an opportunity to make any more deals until the offseason. As a team that’s been reportedly active in the trade market, searching for ways to improve Embiid’s supporting cast, the recent injury could put the Sixers on a different path — or perhaps it won’t.

Does Embiid’s Injury Affect Philly’s Plans?

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski recently offered some insight on the Sixers’ approach to the market post-Embiid injury. As Philadelphia doesn’t seem to believe they’ll be Embiid-less come playoff time, it seems the Sixers are going to remain on the same page as they were before.

“Even while there’s some uncertainty around Joel Embiid’s immediate future with the Sixers with that knee, this is a front office that’s still really engaging here ahead of the trade deadline trying to improve this team and talking about the kinds of deals you would make with an expectation that they’re going to be playing important basketball this spring,” said the insider. “The hope is that Joel Embiid is a part of it and on the floor. That’s how they are proceeding right now.”

Even with a recent slip-up in the Eastern Conference standings, the Sixers are still in a good place, ranking fifth behind Cleveland, New York, Milwaukee, and Boston. Playoffs aren’t guaranteed for the 76ers, but they are on pace to punch their ticket to the postseason, which puts them in a position to consider buying at the deadline.

Well before Embiid’s recent string of absences, 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey noted that “some depth at the big” could be helpful for Philadelphia even with Embiid healthy and available. With Embiid set to miss some time, they could move in that direction with urgency right about now. 

It’s no secret that holding down the fort without Embiid will be a challenge for the first-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey and the rest of the cast. Through 12 games without the MVP-winning big man, the Sixers hold a record of 3-9. Knowing Embiid could miss an extended period of time, that could give the Sixers a chance to find an identity without him for the time being. 

Getting veteran help at the deadline should be in the cards for the Sixers, who don’t want to pull the plug on their progress.