When discussing LeBron James' Philadelphia 76ers move on the Conversations with Cam podcast, Dwayne Wade claimed, "We haven't seen the end of this move." Fans had better hope an Anthony Davis trade isn't in the works. Moving on from Joel Embiid would require trading for a star with a bumper salary to match contracts -- leaving a deal for Davis a realistic possibility. However, the Sixers shouldn't be scouring the market for another injury-prone player.
Philadelphia must steer clear of Anthony Davis
Other than reuniting LeBron James with a former teammate, what would a trade for the Washington Wizards' center really achieve? Nothing much at all. Swapping one injury-prone star for another seems like a trade sanctioned to appease LeBron's needs rather than moving the needle in a championship chase.
Anthony Davis is undoubtedly a player who wields immense talent and star quality, but in basketball terms, he is far from an upgrade on Embiid. The only issue the 76ers currently have with their offensive talisman is his inability to avoid the injury report -- something Davis struggles with himself.
Last season, Davis only appeared for the Dallas Mavericks on 20 occasions before his trade to Washington. After this deal was struck, the 33-year-old failed to register any appearances for his new employers.
In comparison, Embiid made 38 regular-season appearances before playing seven more games for the Sixers in the postseason. While it is hardly a total to boast about, the 2023 MVP entered the 2025-26 season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.
Embiid would bring more offensive production to Philadelphia
While Anthony Davis might bring even more championship experience to Philadelphia's new-look roster, his effectiveness on the floor after returning from injury isn't quite as spectacular as Joel Embiid's.
At this point in their careers, it's an inevitability that Lady Luck will eventually come along to strike both players down with injury, so it is important that on their return, they can be as devastating as before.
This is Embiid's party trick. Despite suffering from fitness issues again last season, the 32-year-old averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. And even after undergoing appendix surgery on the eve of the postseason, Embiid returned to record 24 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
It's not like Davis struggles in this area; in fact, his statistics are still impressive even though he suffered an injury-riddled campaign himself. Over 20 games, Davis averaged 20.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, while shooting 50.6% from the floor.
Other than his improved mobility and increased presence on the glass, trading for Anthony Davis would do little to move the needle for Philadelphia. After his unwavering loyalty to the 76ers, Joel Embiid deserves the opportunity to make a championship tilt with a roster capable of ending the franchise's 43-year trophy drought.
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