- Joel Embiid recently revealed that he wants to win an NBA Championship regardless if it’s in Philadelphia or elsewhere.
- Embiid’s comments have prompted online betting sites to release odds on who his next team could be in the NBA. Currently, the New York Knicks have an edge over the Brooklyn Nets.
- The 2023-24 NBA MVP has been critical of new 76ers’ head coach Nick Nurse in the past.
The Philadelphia 76ers might have two disgruntled star players on their hands. As James Harden reportedly wants out of Philadelphia, Joel Embiid could be the next 76er asking for a trade. Odds at Bovada indicate that the New York Knicks are the favorites at +200 to acquire Embiid if he is traded.
The trade odds were released in the wake of comments made by Embiid at the UNINTERRUPTED Film Festival. In an interview with SpringHill Entertainment CEO Maverick Carter, Embiid shocked 76ers fans with some discouraging remarks.
“I just want to win a championship. Whatever it takes. I don’t know where that’s gonna be. Whether it’s in Philly or anywhere else, I just want to have a chance to accomplish that,” Embiid told Carter. “I want to see what it feels like to win that first one and then you can think about the next one.”
According to Embiid, he is willing to go to another team if it means winning an NBA Championship. Embiid is content with winning an NBA title anywhere in the league, even if it means having to leave Philadelphia. As long as he has an NBA Championship ring before retiring.
That is the only way to interpret Embiid’s comments. However, is this all being blown out of proportion? Embiid’s answer in the interview will upset 76ers fans, he is simply stating what most players in the NBA want.
NBA players look for lucrative contracts and championships first, above all else. If Embiid doesn’t feel like a championship will happen in Philadelphia, he will want out. However, has Embiid really reached his breaking point in Philadelphia?
Joel Embiid: 'I just want to win a championship… Whether that's in Philly or anywhere else.' 👀🍿
(🎥: @ajtorres1230)pic.twitter.com/iE3GXurHOJ
— theScore (@theScore) July 17, 2023
76ers Coming Off Another Second-Round Exit
For the fifth time in six years, the 76ers lost in the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Every year, there are high expectations for the 76ers. They have been amongst the favorites to win the Eastern Conference for the last five seasons.
However, regardless of the hype and odds, the 76ers have been unable to expel their playoff demons. After the 76ers’ loss to the Toronto Raptors in the 2018-19 NBA Playoffs, clearly, Embiid was left incredibly frustrated with the result.
In 2019, the 76ers were equipped with Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris, Ben Simmons, and Embiid in their starting lineup. Regardless of their star power, the 76ers failed. This past season, the 76ers had Harden and Embiid, and couldn’t beat the Boston Celtics.
Is Embiid looking at the writing on the wall with Harden’s situation and the playoff failures? Harden reportedly has a severed relationship with 76ers’ team president Daryl Morey. The betting odds have Harden on the move before the start of next season.
While there have been no statements regarding Embiid’s relationship with Morey as of late, it is possible that the drama has spilled over to him. What we are aware of is that Embiid has not been a fan of head coach Nick Nurse in previous years.
Joel Embiid referenced Giannis Antetokounmpo postgame after the 76ers lost Game 7 to the Celtics 😅 pic.twitter.com/HkLUQIgi1V
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) May 14, 2023
Embiid and Head Coach Nick Nurse Have A History
It is not a secret that Embiid and his new head coach did not see eye-to-eye in the past. As early as April 2022, Embiid was critical of Nurse’s coaching style with the Toronto Raptors. Specifically, the 2022-23 season MVP did not care for Nurse constantly complaining about officiating.
“He’s a great coach,” said Embiid. “Obviously, he’s been able to accomplish [a lot] and always been a big fan. But, I told him, respectfully, I told him to stop b—-ing about calls.”
This isn’t the first time that Embiid has called out Nurse for his antics toward refs. We assume that Embiid and Nurse are on the same page now, but Morey hiring Nurse could be a small criticism that he has with the front office.
When all of the small things add up, and the fact that the 76ers can’t get past the second round, Embiid could be thinking about finding a new team. Personality clashes between Embiid and Nurse, similar to Pascal Siakim and Nurse, do not seem that far-fetched.
Embiid has a player option in 2026-27 and an unrestricted free agent in 2027. If the big man wants out of Philadelphia, it will have to come in the form of a trade.
Embiid Hopes Harden Changes His Mind
No one knows what is going to happen with Harden. However, everyone seems to believe that the 76ers will have to work something out before the start of the 2023-24 season. Harden forced his way out of Houston in 2021 and has the power to do it again.
If he stays in Philadelphia, it is unlikely that Harden will give it his all for the 76ers. Nevertheless, Embiid hopes that Harden changes his mind and wants to stay in Philadelphia. When Rachel Nichols asked Embiid about Harden’s potential departure, he claimed that he was disappointed.
Spoke to Joel Embiid about James Harden’s trade request – Embiid said he’s hopeful Harden’s “mindset can be changed.” The two were partying with @MichaelRubin last night at the @Fanatics/@TheNBPA Summer League blowout. pic.twitter.com/9sKwp3HGsg
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) July 10, 2023
What conclusions can we draw from these remarks, and is Embiid’s willingness to go to another team directly related to Harden wanting to leave? It’s worth noting that Embiid emphasized he wants Harden back so they can accomplish their goal of winning a championship.
Also, Embiid stressed that he and Harden have been close since becoming teammates. It is unlikely that Embiid will force his way out of Philadelphia. Although, this does appear to be a message to Morey and the front office.
If this does happen, the Knicks have the best odds of trading for Embiid at +200. However, the Nets are not far behind with +250 odds, and then the Dallas Mavericks at +350.
