The Philadelphia 76ers and star center Joel Embiid were able to make a run to the second round of the NBA Playoffs this season.
After looking down and out in the first round against the Boston Celtics, the 76ers found a way to come back. They erased a 3-1 series deficit to send Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the Celtics packing.
Unfortunately, Philadelphia had no answer for the New York Knicks in round two. They were quickly swept by the Knicks and now head into the NBA offseason with questions that need to be answered.
One of those questions circles around Embiid. Do the 76ers keep him around for another season? Could they consider moving on from him if the right trade was offered?
An NBA insider has floated a potential trade idea that would send Embiid to the Western Conference.
76ers Linked to Potential Joel Embiid Trade with Kings
NBA insider Jake Fischer has shared a tidbit of information that he has heard. A trade featuring Embiid heading to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Domantas Sabonis could work.
“One longshot scenario that does get mentioned by rival team strategists is an Embiid-for-Domantas Sabonis swap with Sacramento … but even longshot might be underselling it,” Fischer wrote.
“Both former All-Star big men could probably use a fresh start, but there’s just no getting around the fact that Embiid, at 32, seems incapable of holding up for a deep playoff run. Which certainly shortens the list of potential suitors.”
At the end of the day, both teams would simply be swapping out their centers. For the 76ers, there would likely be more needed to part ways with Embiid.
Joel Embiid Is Still an Elite NBA Superstar
Recent years have not been kind to Embiid. He has consistently dealt with injury issues that have forced him to miss games, which has killed his perceived value.
Despite the injuries, Embiid remains one of the best players in the NBA when healthy.
Throughout the course of the 2025-26 NBA season with the 76ers, Embiid played in 38 games. He averaged 26.9 points per game to go along with 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks. Embiid also shot 48.9 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from three-point range.
In his entire 490-game career across 10 years, Embiid has posted averages of 27.6 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.6 blocks. He has shot 50 percent overall and 33.9 percent from deep.
Parting ways with the long-term face of the franchise would be a difficult decision to make. However, it’s an option that Philadelphia has to at least consider.
What Would Domantas Sabonis Bring to the 76ers?
Sabonis would be an intriguing replacement for Embiid. He is a three-time All-Star and would bring a unique skill-set to Philadelphia.
Last season with the Kings, Sabonis averaged 15.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 19 games. Back in 2024-25, he played in 70 games and averaged 19.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, and six assists per game.
If the 76ers were to trade Embiid, acquiring a talent like Sabonis would make a lot of sense.
Expect to hear a lot of rumors about Philadelphia as the offseason progresses. Embiid is sure to be involved in a lot of those rumors.
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