Tension has been building within the Philadelphia 76ers since the trade deadline. Franchise cornerstone Joel Embiid urged the front office not to revert to its default setting and gut the roster to avoid the luxury tax. Days later, Jared McCain departed for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Now, the 2023 MVP has voiced frustration with Daryl Morey for holding him out of a key game against the Washington Wizards, leaving the franchise facing a major decision on its general manager's future.
Daryl Morey hasn’t been popular in Philadelphia for quite some time. Between his refusal to hand James Harden a lucrative contract and the previously mentioned exit of McCain, the general manager has frustrated plenty of Sixers fans. If you want to keep your job, the last person you should ever pick a fight with is the franchise’s superstar; unfortunately for Morey, that ship may have already sailed.
After Philadelphia’s 115-103 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, Embiid was asked during his post-match media duties why he missed the 76ers’ recent victory over the Wizards, even though he had posted on X that he was fit to play. Embiid responded, "I was p***** off. I wanted to play basketball. I wasn't allowed to play basketball. I think this is more of a question for Daryl Morey."
Joel Embiid was asked about why he didn't play against Washington on Wednesday. He did not hold back.
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) April 4, 2026
"I was pissed off. I wanted to play basketball. I wasn't allowed to play basketball. I think this is more of a question for Daryl Morey."
Full answer 👇 pic.twitter.com/klleKW9NUy
Morey cannot afford to fall out with Embiid
In 2020, Daryl Morey left his post as general manager of the Houston Rockets to accept the same role at the Philadelphia 76ers. The goal was somewhat simple: provide Joel Embiid with the tools he requires to lead the franchise to its first NBA championship since 1983. Time and time again, Morey has failed on this objective. Inconsistent decision-making and an unwillingness to heed the words of his star player have dialled up the pressure cooker on his job security.
When a general manager keeps falling short of leading a franchise to success, one way to hang on to his job is by making sure the influential voices in the organization remain supportive. This voice is not just that of the head coach; it is the star players who hold more value to the owners than Daryl Morey ever will. Choosing to ignore Embiid's wishes to make no changes to the roster and then dictate the fixtures he is available for is a recipe for disaster.
Josh Harris is a non-existent authority figure in Philadelphia; however, it is clear that money is a language he can speak. Embiid's miraculous recovery this season has increased his value as an asset to the Sixers, and Harris will prioritise his future over Morey's. Not only has Embiid seen his mobility recover to unforeseen heights, but his numbers have also grown in parallel. The 32-year-old has averaged 26.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season.
Some may say that Joel Embiid needs saving from himself, and being healthy for the Philadelphia 76ers' postseason campaign is more critical to the team than featuring against the Washington Wizards. That is correct. Daryl Morey probably made the right call. Nevertheless, going against your franchise star when your job is already under scrutiny is a decision that usually ends in unemployment.