Daryl Morey might have another disgruntled star on his hands in Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.
Just a few years after losing James Harden’s trust, the Philadelphia 76ers’ President of Basketball Operations made an in-season move that didn’t sit right with the former MVP, according to The Athletic.
The latest reporting on the relationship between Embiid and the front office suggests that Embiid hasn’t seen eye-to-eye with the front office and even the coaching staff throughout the year.
That much is apparent, considering Embiid has avoided answering questions about his relationship with the front office in media scrums on multiple occasions since the trade deadline.
The worst part for Morey and the Sixers’ front office is that it’s not just Embiid and the 76ers fan base who are upset with the now-infamous Jared McCain trade that occurred back in February.
The Jared McCain Fallout
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Five of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoff at TD Garden on April 28, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“As such, he â along with others in the locker room â were not happy with the decision to trade second-year guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder, particularly without bringing in a player to replace McCain. In interviews over the next few games, Embiid noticeably had to hold himself back from verbally criticizing the front office.” via The Athletic
The McCain trade sent shockwaves across Philadelphia. It didn’t seem to make sense at the time.
The 22-year-old was in year two in the NBA, and looked like one of the top players in his draft class before an injury derailed his rookie season with the Sixers. McCain was a strong presence in the locker room, forming close relationships with core members of the team, including the two-time All-Star Tyrese Maxey.
After the Sixers moved McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder for draft picks, many assumed there was a follow-up trade for another player in the works.
That wasn’t the case. Embiid expected to see some win-now moves made at the deadline. Instead, the Sixers moved two three-point shooting specialists before proceeding to struggle with long-range shooting and lacking guard depth throughout the remainder of the season.
The trade ended up looking like a backward move amid a season where the Sixers hoped to contend for a championship. A season where Embiid battles through multiple setbacks–even returning to the court 17 days after getting surgery due to appendicitis.
Will Daryl Morey See The 2026-2027 Season?
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 27: Jared McCain #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after making a three point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks in the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on January 27, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bucks 139-122. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
According to The Athletic, the Sixers are still evaluating everything.
Morey is being looked at, as well as the head coach, Nick Nurse. Final decisions have not been made, and it could take a few days before the 76ers come to any strong conclusions.
The only thing that’s for sure is that Joel Embiid is not lending a helping hand to the President. There haven’t been any public endorsements for Morey, even when questions from reporters are centered on the front office.
The 76ers chose Morey over Ben Simmons and James Harden when those two were disgruntled on different timelines. Joel Embiid is a different beast in Philadelphia.
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