After yet another early playoff exit, no one knows what the future holds for the Philadelphia 76ers, and that includes star center Joel Embiid.
During his postgame media availability following Philadelphia’s 144-114 Game 4 season-endling loss to the New York Knicks, Embiid made a cryptic comment regarding his own future in Philadelphia.
Joel Embiid Casts Doubt on His Future in Philadelphia After Loss to Knicks
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 12: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacersat the Wells Fargo Center on November 12, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
While expressing excitement about the team’s potential next season, Embiid took a left turn and admitted that he doesn’t know who will be on the roster next season, himself included.
“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.”
Given his inconsistent availability and lack of postseason success, there has been some speculation that the Sixers could think about trying to trade Embiid over the offseason, which is likely what the big man was referring to in his media availability.
However, there has been no indication from the team that they want to move on from Emiid. Plus, doing so could prove difficult given the enormity of the former MVP’s contract. Embiid still has three years and over $190 million remaining on his current deal, including a $67 million player option for the 2028-29 season.
Joel Embiid is Confident in His Health Moving Forward
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 30, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
While Embiid might not feel completely confident about his future in Philadelphia, he is confident in his health moving forward as he thinks that the knee injury that hampered him for the better part of the past three seasons is finally behind him.
“I’m as confident as I’ve ever been,” Embiid said regarding his health. “I think, obviously, [my knee] was the biggest concern, and I’m not thinking about it; and as long as we keep doing what we’ve been doing, I won’t have to think about it anymore. … “I’m looking at next year, obviously being more available.”
This is good news for the Sixers, assuming that Embiid is still on the team next season.
Joel Embiid Makes Cryptic Comment About His Future with Philadelphia 76ers