Welcome to Sportsphere24 Updates – your home for daily basketball stories, analysis and exclusive NBA coverage.
The Philadelphia 76ers' season ended in disappointment, swept by the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. For anyone following at Sportsphere24 Updates, the aftermath has been dominated by one question: Will the Sixers trade Joel Embiid?
The answer, according to multiple NBA insiders, is almost certainly no. At Sportsphere24 Updates, we break down why the 2023 MVP is likely staying put, the massive obstacles to any trade, and the few wild scenarios that have been floated.
📌 Quick Navigation
Why a Trade Is Unlikely: The "Tricky" Reality
The Contract: A $187.9 Million Anchor
The Injury History: 96 Games in 3 Seasons
What a Trade Could Look Like: The Sabonis Swap
Other Rumored Destinations
What the Insiders Are Saying
The Bottom Line
AI Image Prompt
Why a Trade Is Unlikely: The "Tricky" Reality {#why-unlikely}
After the Sixers' playoff exit, Embiid himself acknowledged uncertainty about his future: "I don't even know if I'm gonna be here" .
However, league insiders have repeatedly shot down the idea of an Embiid trade this summer.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported: "I've been advised to expect no definitive effort this offseason to try to offload Embiid. No matter who is in charge" .
Tony Jones of The Athletic explained: "Because of the injuries and his contract, it's unlikely Philadelphia can trade him for anything of value. But because he's still an elite-level offensive player, he's still worth more to Philadelphia than anything that would come back in a trade" .
ESPN's Brian Windhorst echoed the sentiment: "He has three years at $192M left on his contract, which is a new extension that will begin next season. And that is why I can promise you he will definitely be back. He is not going anywhere" .
The Contract: A $187.9 Million Anchor {#the-contract}
The single biggest obstacle to a trade is Embiid's massive contract.
Many executives believe extending Embiid was a "fireable misstep" . The contract is so large that almost no team can absorb it without gutting their roster. The new CBA's restrictive team-building rules make it even harder to trade such a massive salary.
The Injury History: 96 Games in 3 Seasons {#injury-history}
Embiid's inability to stay on the floor is the other major deterrent for potential suitors .
| Season | Games Played | Key Injuries |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 39 | Knee issues |
| 2024-25 | 39 | Knee issues |
| 2025-26 | 38 | Knee, oblique strain, appendectomy, hip, ankle |
| Last 3 seasons | 96 of 246 | Only 39% availability |
His playoff injury history is even more alarming:
2026: Hip/ankle soreness, appendectomy (missed 4 games)
2024: Torn meniscus, Bell's palsy (played through)
2023: Knee sprain (missed 2 games)
2022: Orbital fracture, concussion, torn thumb ligament (missed 2 games)
2021: Torn meniscus (missed 1 game)
2018: Orbital fracture, concussion (missed 2 games)
He has never played more than 68 games in a season and has been healthy for only one playoff run – the 2020 bubble, where the Sixers were swept .
What a Trade Could Look Like: The Sabonis Swap {#trade-scenarios}
Despite the obstacles, rival executives have floated one scenario: a Joel Embiid-for-Domantas Sabonis swap with the Sacramento Kings .
Jake Fischer reported: "One longshot scenario that does get mentioned by rival team strategists is a [Joel] Embiid-for-Domantas Sabonis swap with Sacramento … but even longshot might be underselling it. Both former All-Star big men could probably use a fresh start, but there's just no getting around the fact that Embiid, at 32, seems incapable of holding up for a deep playoff run" .
Why It's Unlikely
A potential package might look like:
Kings receive: Joel Embiid, Justin Edwards, 2026 FRP, 2031 FRP
But as Fischer noted, even calling it a "longshot" might be "underselling it" .
Other Rumored Destinations {#other-destinations}
Phoenix Suns
NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins has suggested the Suns as a fit, arguing Embiid might benefit from a fresh medical staff . However, Phoenix is reportedly committed to building "the right way" and is unlikely to mortgage serious assets for Embiid .
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers appear as a betting-market longshot, potentially using a package of John Collins and Bradley Beal to match salaries .
Bill Simmons Trade Proposals
Bill Simmons offered four potential deals on his podcast :
| Target Team | Trade Package | Simmons' Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | Zion Williamson | "I don't see them doing that" |
| Sacramento | Zach LaVine | "Their fans should revolt" |
| Golden State | Jimmy Butler | "I don't think Golden State should do that" |
| Brooklyn | Nic Claxton, Terrance Mann, Noah Clowney | "I actually don't hate this" |
What the Insiders Are Saying {#insiders}
"Embiid's incessant availability issues, of course, have rendered him tricky to trade (to put it charitably)." – Jake Fischer, The Stein Line
"Because of the injuries and his contract, it's unlikely Philadelphia can trade him for anything of value." – Tony Jones, The Athletic
"He has three years at $192M left on his contract... he will definitely be back. He is not going anywhere." – Brian Windhorst, ESPN
"It's time for the big fella to move out West, he needs some sunshine on that knee." – Paul Pierce (Hall of Famer)
The Bottom Line {#bottom-line}
For better or worse, the 76ers are likely tied to Joel Embiid. As Paul Pierce noted, "Trust the process is over" . But for now, "The Process" remains in Philadelphia.
Thank you for reading Sportsphere24 Updates, your home for daily basketball stories, analysis and predictions.
Until then, keep your eyes on the ball.