As if its an annual tradition, the Philadelphia 76ers are once again left guessing about what could be their fate moving forward. Even in the seasons where they managed to turn in a rather respectable finish, there were uncertainties about how the franchise can elevate its ceiling. Now, following a disappointing campaign for the ages, the questions become even more resounding.
Another recurring and dominant theme in this world of unknown is the status of Joel Embiid. Despite the many workarounds the team can make in his absence, the only realistic path back to contention for the franchise is to have its best player functioning at his peak — something that has been completely elusive for the last year or so.
This offseason, the 76ers will have a lot on their plate, but coordinating with Embiid’s camp on a plan to keep him healthy moving forward will be their most crucial task. Unfortunately, things have been notably slow in that regard, and there were already reports about the superstar having some reservations about how the team has handled his delicate injury situation.
The 76ers have no other choice but to trade Joel Embiid
Hoping that Embiid would return is one thing, but expecting him to return to playing like an MVP-caliber player is another. Sure, the superstar center can definitely come back to play games here and there, albeit not at 100 percent condition, but it is doubtful that he can reprise his dominant form with one functional knee.
Not having Joel be in his usual self simply throws the team’s entire dynamics on both ends off. Hence, a slight pivot by moving parts around him will never be enough to catapult the team back to being a relevant squad.
Put simply, the 76ers have to seriously consider parting with Embiid via trade. There are still teams out there with sufficient desperation which can be allured by the prospect of Embiid being a tremendous floor-raiser. The moment any front office exhibits signs of being wooed, Daryl Morey and company should raise the anchor and let that ship sail.
Embiid still has a lot of value. Really, what could preclude a deal from transpiring is the sheer enormity of his contract, which would be pretty difficult to match.
The 76ers would also have to sweeten the pot to take some heft away from it, but even if they have to pay some price to move on from their erratic superstar, what choice does the franchise really have? Heck, that they should be in play for a top prospect in this year’s draft should be the perfect segue to effectuate a hard U-turn.