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Joel Embiid is out for the Philadelphia 76ers’ game on Tuesday, January 20.
NBA legend Paul Pierce made a bold statement that the Philadelphia 76ers must trade former MVP Joel Embiid for any chance of real success moving forward. Embiid was recently ruled out for the next few weeks after having an appendectomy surgery. Philadelphia hoped to have a healthy roster for the playoffs after Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George all returned to the team over the past few weeks.
Pierce revealed why he thinks the franchise will never be successful until they move on from Embiid:
“Need Joel Embiid to be moving (to his next team). It’s time to rebuild in Philly; it’s time to build around [Tyrese] Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, you know what I’m saying? It’s time for the Big Fella to move out West; he needs some sunshine on that knee. I’m done trusting the process; 10 years trying to trust the process. Trust the process is over.”
Philadelphia hopes to contend with Embiid as the best player on the roster. One positive is that they’ve been able to develop Maxey and VJ Edgecombe as their star guards of the future. However, Embiid’s injuries caused the 76ers to fall lower in the standings and they have no chance in the playoffs with him out.
Why 76ers Can’t Follow Pierce’s Advice
Embiid’s contract has become one of the worst deals in the entire NBA due to how little he plays. Philadelphia extended Embiid to have him under contract until the 2030 offseason unless they opt to waive him.
The financial figures of $58 million to $68 million owed each year see Embiid as one of the most expensive talents in the league. Opposing teams are unlikely to add three years of massive salary onto their salary cap with Embiid providing little confidence he’ll be healthy any time soon.
Embiid has not played over 40 games in a single season since his MVP season back in 2023. 76ers found hope this season for a healthy team challenging the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, or New York Knicks in the first round. Embiid likely missing the first round will see another first round elimination to further scare off teams from giving him a chance.
Pierce Said Other Stars Should Get Traded
The recent podcast episode of Pierce and Kevin Garnett discussing the NBA saw the former listing other names he felt should be traded. Pierce believes that teams and players in bad situations should part ways faster.
“Ja Morant, get that man some fresh air, please,” Pierce stated. “He needs some fresh air. That man didn’t even play the rest of the year. He was mentally done. Giannis, get Giannis some air. Zion needs some fresh air. He can give a jolt to like Indiana or something.”
Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are three names that Pierce believe should be traded this offseason, along with Embiid. Antetokounmpo and Morant are both expected to be on the trade block to appease Pierce’s wishes. However, it remains unlikely that Williamson and Embiid will get moved unless someone strongly believes in them.
Joey Haverford Joey Haverford is a seasoned sports content writer with over 12 years of experience. He has covered the NBA, WNBA, MLB, NFL, and professional wrestling in the sports industry. More about Joey Haverford
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