Joel Embiid will forever be a Philadelphia 76ers legend. In my opinion, nothing should supersede his right to feature on one of the most exciting rosters in the team's recent history. However, that doesn't mean questions don't exist surrounding his fit with the new-look Sixers. His defensive limitations, high usage rate, and inability to stay healthy could hinder the franchise's championship ambition. Does a less admired center like Domantas Sabonis make more sense right now?
Mike Gansey needs this roster to be a success
Fans may not agree with the narrative that a roster filled with on-ball stars can't work together; it is a relevant and fair discussion. Do I buy into that argument? Not particularly, but if analysts around the league are discussing the topic, there is no reality in which the front office hasn't factored this into their thinking.
Mike Gansey has already made bold moves during his time at the helm of the 76ers. One of which saw him acquire Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Paul George. This was a simply brilliant move that dumped one of the league's worst contracts onto a rival franchise. While the numbers now make more sense for Brown to be the success Gansey dreams for him to be, he will need to be a prominent figure on both sides of the ball.
In the past, the NBA has seen "superteams" constructed that were instantly favorites to clinch a championship in their first year together. Under the restrictions of the second apron, this is a blueprint that now rarely works. Squad depth trumps superstar quality, and while the 76ers do have this in abundance, it is the starting lineup that must find a way to put their egos to one side in order to make this season a historic success.
The City of Philadelphia has a right to have its eyes on the title, but many boxes must be ticked before others join the hype train. Realistically, for the rest of the league to buy into what the 76ers are selling, they would have to make a move for a selfless star who has proven to play a significant role on both sides of the ball. Unfortunately for Joel Embiid, he could be the victim of any future trade proposals.
Domantas Sabonis would fit the 76ers like a glove
If Embiid is likely to depart, then the 76ers can't afford to settle for just any available player. Firstly, his contract situation simply wouldn't allow it. Secondly, Embiid has shown in recent months that his offensive contribution can be the difference in a seven-game series against Eastern Conference giants like the Boston Celtics.
With around $93 million and two years remaining on his current contract, Domantas Sabonis is a player who could be a realistic option in future trade discussions for the 76ers. It is hard to believe that this is an acquisition that would have fans foaming at the mouth, but his selfless, versatile skill set could add another dimension to Philadelphia's roster.
No replacement in the center position would ever contribute to scoring as Joel Embiid can, but under their current guise, is this really a problem? The Sixers need a defensive anchor who can make a difference on the boards and display a key eye for a pass -- look no further than Sabonis.
Throughout his career, Sabonis has provided his team with whatever they require of him and is usually available for selection. During the 2025-26 NBA season, the 30-year-old only featured on 19 occasions for the Sacramento Kings -- 19 fewer regular-season appearances than Embiid.
However, if we look to his 2024-25 season as a more realistic resume, then the Gonzaga alum is exactly what the 76ers should be scouring the market for. Over 70 appearances, Sabonis averaged 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, and six assists per game, while shooting 59% from the floor.
The Sacramento Kings are seemingly scrambling for an identity and could be tempted to sanction the departure of their star asset. Embiid should be sufficient compensation for the franchise, and Sabonis is a player who would complement high-usage stars like Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and LeBron James.
Nobody wants to see a franchise legend like Joel Embiid leave a roster that should be more than capable of making a tilt at the championship; however, Mike Gansey must think about what benefits the star-studded lineup the Philadelphia 76ers now have at their disposal. A selfless center like Domantas Sabonis could be this player.
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