Few teams in the NBA deal with the amount of drama the Philadelphia 76ers do each and every season. This year, the team has outdone themselves yet again, thanks to a very severe case of the injury bug, including the unresolved issue of Joel Embiid's knee.
Things have been a bit sunnier in Philadelphia lately, as the Sixers are in the midst of a 4-1 stretch over their last five. This includes the return of Joel Embiid, who had most recently missed seven consecutive games for a blend of left knee injury management and personal reasons.
I have long believed that "personal reasons" should not be speculated about. I still feel this way. However, knowing the questions many have raised about Embiid over the years and given the hodgepodge of controversy the team has faced, people naturally have questions.
These are questions that, to me, have not infrequently been brought up. That said, I will speak of it quickly, plainly, and unsatisfactorily. A source with knowledge of the situation has confirmed the legitimacy of Embiid's "personal reasons," and he is now back. That's all that frankly needs to be said about that matter.
With Embiid back in the fold, all is right again in Philadelphia—for now. But that doesn't wash away all that has happened to start this year. The tensions building up within the team, between Embiid and the fan base. Not to mention when those tensions reached a boiling point, Embiid had a physical altercation with a local journalist after they inappropriately referenced Embiid's son and deceased brother in an article.
Once again, the Philadelphia 76ers will not actively seek to trade Joel Embiid, but what if he determines he's dealt with enough? What if he is no longer feeling the love of the City of Brotherly Love? Is it possible that Joel Embiid could demand a trade out of Philadelphia?
It's important to state that, by all accounts, he is not yet at that point, but given these frustrations and the potential for disaster the Sixers still face this season, the possibility is not outlandish.
As far as where Embiid could find himself if he left Philadelphia, the most likely candidate seemed to be the Miami Heat. Embiid has never been shy about his appreciation for Heat star Jimmy Butler. The issue is now that Butler's time in Miami may be coming to an end. ESPN's Shams Charania reported Tuesday that Miami is "open to listening to offers" on Butler, and several Western Conference contenders have already been linked to the six-time All-Star.
Back to Butler, there are not many stars with whom Embiid has as close a relationship. Not that he's some sort of pariah in the league, but rather, he is a private person compared to many of his fellow stars.
This was one of the reasons he and Paul George connected over the years, being that neither is a social butterfly, particularly at the All-Star game.
“I’m not much of a social guy in the All-Star setting," George told reporters at his introductory press conference. "I kind of keep to myself.”
Embiid's other notable NBA friendships include Tyrese Maxey, who has spent his entire NBA career as Embiid's teammate, and Jayson Tatum—if you believe the Sixers would trade Joel Embiid to the Celtics, I have a bridge to sell you. Anthony Edwards is another name often speculated about, though it may be more accurate to say it's a high level of mutual respect instead of a deep and meaningful "friendship," though again, this is speculation.
With all that said, here are four teams who should pursue a trade for Joel Embiid.