Joel Embiid established himself to be the highest-average scorer for the team. At the same time, however, his performance has been overshadowed by his long streak of absence because of an injury. Now that the 76ers have entered the playoffs, there is still a looming threat that Embiid’s knee could give out anytime during this crucial stage. This, and his previous absences, made two sports analysts question whether it’s time to bid adieu to the player.

A few hours ago, Chris Broussard and Rob Parker released another episode of their ‘The Odd Couple’ podcast. During the same, Broussard highlighted how 2020 was the only playoff year in which Embiid was available for all games and how the player was “banged up” during the majority of them. Given that Embiid hasn’t been able to keep up his fitness game like in previous seasons, and the 76ers have “a ton of money under the salary cap”, an opportunity can be created out of an unfortunate situation.

“(If) I were the Sixers, I would probably start shopping Joel Embiid,” said Broussard. “The reason I want now is because I want to see, you know, can we add, maybe trade, when you’re that far under the cap. So, can we trade for Donovan Mitchell? Can we sign a Paul George?”. Joel Embiid is currently playing under a 4-year, $213 million contract. This makes him the highest-paid 76ers player and the fifth overall during the ongoing NBA tournament.

Furthermore, his base salary is only set to increase, with his current contract not set to expire until after the 2026-27 season. The high cost at which the franchise keeps the player is looking to be an expensive gamble, given that he only appeared in 37 of the last 80 regular season games.

Furthermore, despite his effort, the 76ers have already lost two of their six playoff games at the hands of the New York Knicks. All of this has made the 55-year-old commentator believe that the franchise could get multiple players at the price of one and rebuild itself to be championship-worthy.

“I want to see what I can get around putting Embiid this summer,” Broussard continued. “I’m not even blaming it on him, but I don’t think he is going to be healthy at this time of the year”.

Are the New York Knicks eyeing Joel Embiid?

With the rumors and public chatter about Joel Embiid’s possible departure going mainstream once their season ends, it’s safe to think that many teams would be floating the idea of having him. Surprisingly, one of them is the one Embiid is currently hustling against and giving nightmares- the New York Knicks.

Back in October, Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Keith Pompey reported the Knicks were willing to give up RJ Barrett, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson, along with 2-3 more first-round picks, if they could welcome Embiid into their fold. Unfortunately, no developments took place from the same. Months later, the franchise is still reportedly putting out signs that they want the 30-year-old Center to don the colors of blue, orange, and white.

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“The Knicks’ dream is to have Embiid request a trade at some point while New York is waiting with first-round picks and any player not named Jalen Brunson to put into a deal,” wrote reporter Greg Swartz before the recent playoffs. Swartz further went on to state that if the 76ers are unable to go past the playoffs, then they will look for a player that can bode well with the playing dynamic of Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. However, if that doesn’t happen, then the franchise will have to probably “settle for role players” probably at the expense of their lead scorer.

Joel Embiid has made no reported indications till now that he wishes to exit the Sixers. However, with the chances of the team winning their current playoffs series looking more and more bleak, the option would be something that both the player and the franchise would be keeping at the back of their heads.