Joel Embiid’s injury has cast a massive shadow over the Philadelphia 76ers moving forward. While the team should still have enough to get by and make the playoffs with their current deck, without the reigning MVP, you’d be hard-pressed to find a non-Philadelphian who will still willingly bet on them to win the championship this season.
Still, the 76ers have their work cut out for them with the trade deadline just a few days away. Their strategy could very well take on an entirely new vestige in the aftermath of Embiid’s injury, but the latest report points to the team potentially being able to still have him in some capacity this season, giving the front office something to hold onto as the team faces the tall task of holding down the fort for the meantime without their best player.
The 76ers are reported to still be aggressive buyers before the trade deadline
On the interim, it seems like Philadelphia is hellbent on salvaging its season. Despite uncertainty regarding Embiid’s possible return this season, the talk around town is that the 76ers’ strategy in the trade market hasn’t changed, and that the team’s brass is still on the lookout for upgrades on the margins.
Even if Embiid’s situation hardens into a grisly one, the 76ers have won too much to try and punt this season. Ultimately, with All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey poised to be their go-to guy for the time being, it’s not impossible to see a scenario where the team goes all-in for a playoff run asa long as their financial flexibility isn’t compromised.
With that considered, let’s shift our focus on two obtainable players whom the 76ers can trade for before the deadline in this wild proposal.