76ers predicted to part ways with $188M former MVP, 7-time All-Star after adding LeBron James image
The Philadelphia 76ers were undoubtedly one of the most aggressive teams this summer, putting together a roster that could shape the future of the organization. The first move was obviously acquiring Jaylen Brown in a trade from the Boston Celtics.
That was the first major move that led to an even bigger move, which was signing four-time NBA champion LeBron James.
“LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers for his final run at another NBA championship, he announced Friday," ESPN's Dave McMenamin wrote. "James, 41, is signing a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option, Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania."
The future is bright for the 76ers, there is no doubt about it, but there could also come a time when, if things go wrong, the organization decides to blow it up. Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney believes that if that happens, it will be Joel Embiid who gets the boot.
“Joel Embiid. (Remaining contract: three years, $188 million, player option.) No, they’re not going to trade Embiid during the season. But they’re probably not going to trade anybody. If this whole thing is a disaster, though, the possibility of Embiid taking the fall is out there,” Deveney wrote.
Embiid is the longest-tenured player in Philadelphia, so there is something to be considered there. However, there is reason to believe that with his usage rate likely to go down, he could become an easier moving piece.
“Yes, Embiid has still carried massive usage rates over the past two seasons, but he has experienced a noticeable dip from the years beforehand. Embiid's career-low usage rate is 32.9 percent (2019-20), and there is a real chance he drops below that figure in 2026-27,” Philly Voices’ Adam Aaronson wrote.
The 76ers have a wonderful squad, so for things to go bad, it really has to go downhill. Embiid is a former MVP in the league, but injuries have literally put a hurt on his career, making him expendable if the financials need an opening.
Philadelphia does not want to have to get rid of their big man and has no reason to worry right now. It is just that if things go wrong, he is most likely the easiest guy on the roster to let go.
More NBA news: