Would 76ers consider trading Joel Embiid?

Joel Embiid unusually quiet after the Jaylen Brown trade

The one aspect of the deal that the media has yet to touch on is the fact that star center Joel Embiid has been radio-silent. Once a legendary social media jokester, the former MVP has become much more reserved and controlled in his online presence, but it’s still not in his nature to be so secretive.

If new 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey was trying to dump George’s contract before the no-brainer Brown deal, is it possible he’s trying to do the same with Embiid? He arguably has a worse deal than his former teammate, making $192 million over the next three years while having a notoriously bad injury history. His health has handicapped the team on multiple fronts for years, so is it really far-fetched to think he could be on the move?

How the 76ers and the media have quietly hinted at a Joel Embiid trade

One of the most frustrating parts about Embiid’s frequent absences is the fact that Philadelphia’s offense changes so drastically depending on whether he’s in the lineup. Without him, the 76ers are a quick team that uses their speed and athleticism to score in transition and wear down opponents. With him, they become a slow, methodical offense that wastes far too much time trying to feed him in the post, often leading to turnovers or low-quality looks late in the shot clock.

Embiid has been the face of the franchise for more than a decade now, but all the reporting and posturing by the team suggests that’s no longer the case. Gansey was vague about the center’s future during his introductory news conference, while ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania has mentioned that Brown will be grouped with star guards Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, failing to mention Embiid’s name.

Couple this with the fact that the former Celtic went on a livestream after the trade and spoke with Maxey and Edgecombe but not Embiid, and it seems like the big man could be on the move. The 76ers might not come out and say it, but it’s becoming obvious that if Embiid’s days with the team aren’t over, his reign as the franchise centerpiece is certainly done.