The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a measly start this season, which is probably the most surprising storyline in the NBA in the early going given how much they have stunk despite touting one of the most star-studded teams in the association. Sure, injuries have slowed them down considerably, but tossing up their struggles to the injury bug gives them undeserved relief from full blame.
Truthfully speaking, absolutely no one saw this coming — not even the franchise’s biggest detractors. Instead, they have done everything they can to transpose what was initially thought of as a genius offseason into a pointless larceny.
With Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George, Philadelphia has a very formidable big three on paper. Add Jared McCain, the frontrunner to the Rookie of the Year award with his breakout play, and what is yielded is a foursome unmatched by any other from a raw talent perspective. However, it seems like Embiid wanted the 76ers to go a different route with his rumored plea to the front office.
Joel Embiid reportedly wanted the 76ers to trade for Jimmy Butler
Before the team had signed George, the biggest prize of the summer, in free agency, Embiid reportedly wanted the 76ers to find a way to trade for and facilitate a reunion with Jimmy Butler.
Yahoo Sports’ Vincent Goodwill claimed that the 76ers star pleaded to the front office to seek an avenue to get Butler to return to Philly.
He wanted Jimmy Butler. He told the 76ers, ‘Go get my guy’… I don’t think Joel Embiid has been happy even though they wound up getting Paul George. He wanted Jimmy Butler back over there.
There were indeed some murmurs from pundits about Butler potentially moving on from the Heat, and the 76ers were naturally floated as a potential destination had he ended his stint in Miami last summer. While that did not materialize, Embiid certainly has incredible respect for the All-Star forward, even boldly claiming that he is the best player in the league.
It’s unlikely that Embiid harbors ill will toward the 76ers front office for signing George, but the truth of the matter is that the nine-time All-Star has not been felt as much as expected. Heck has already been afflicted by the injury bug twice, and his on-court play has not been up to par.
Certainly, it would be interesting to think about Butler teaming up with Embiid for the 76ers once more, but as of now, that will remain a pipe dream that is much less likely to materialize.