It didn’t take long after the Philadelphia 76ers were swept in the second round of the NBA playoffs by the New York Knicks for the calls for the team to trade star center Joel Embiid to start.
Less than 24 hours after the Sixers were eliminated, ESPN NBA analyst Kedrick Perkins said on live air that Philadelphia should try to move on from the former league MVP over the offseason.
Kendrick Perkins Says Philadelphia 76ers Should Look to Trade Joel Embiid Over the Offseason
GettyCLEVELAND, OHIO – FEBRUARY 18: (L-R) Richard Jefferson and Kendrick Perkins attend the Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game during the 2022 NBA All-Star Weekend at Wolstein Center on February 18, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
During an appearance on First Take, Perkins argued that it would be in the best interest of both the Sixers and Embiid for the two sides to go in different directions at this point in time.
“As far as Joel Embiid, this relationship has run it’s course. It’s time for both parties to separate. I think it would be in the best interest for the organization, and it would also be in the best interest for Joel Embiid. I believe Joel Embiid needs a change of scenery. I believe Joel Embiid needs a breath of fresh air, to go to another place and play to be under another organization, to be under different leadership,” Perkins said.
“At this point in time, listening to his postgame interview, I think he believes that the time has passed as far as him being one of those guys, a franchise guy, to help this organization get to where they’re trying to go and ultimately win a championship.”
Embiid still has three years and over $190 million remaining on his current contract, so trying to trade him could prove easier said than done for Philadelphia.
Joel Embiid Unsure About His Own Future In Philadelphia
GettyJoel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers wipes sweat from his face during first half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on January 12, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Embiid cast some doubt on his own future in Philly after the Sixers were eliminated by the Knicks. While discussing the team’s outlook for next season, Embiid said that he didn’t even know if he would still be on the team at that point.
“I’m excited about next season. V.J. [Edgecombe], I know I’m going to talk to him and he’s going to be better and he was amazing for his first year. Tyrese [Maxey] is going to be better. He’s taken a step every single year. [Paul George] that we saw the last couple weeks, he’s still got it,” Embiid said.
“And then everybody else. I don’t know who is going to be here. I don’t even know if I’m going to be here. But, whatever happens happens. But for me, I’m excited about really getting back to myself.”
It’s shaping up to be a pretty interesting offseason in Philadelphia. Buckle up.
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