Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid is a polarizing player.
When he’s available and out on the floor, Embiid is one of the best and most dominant players in the entire league. But, with Embiid the issue has always been availability, as he’s been hampered by injury issues throughout his career.
As good as he is, Embiid’s lack of availability has led some to suggest that the Sixers should consider moving on from the former NBA MVP, and one former Sixers star thinks that it might be time for the organization to at least consider the possibility.
Michael Carter-Williams Thinks it May be Time for Sixers to Think About Trading Joel Embiid
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 30, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
During a recent appearance on FanDuel’s Run It Back, former NBA Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams, who spent time with Embiid in Philadelphia, explained why he thinks the time has come to for the Sixers to think about moving on from the face of the franchise.
“I think it’s almost getting to that point,” Carter-Williams said. “They have young guys that are really good. It’s not like if you trade [Embiid] and you get some pieces, you have to start from ground zero. You’re still in the mix with the guys that you have right now. So I think it’s getting close that they look for that option, because I think people are still like, ‘OK, when he does play, he can hoop.’ There’s still some value there.”
Embiid has three years remaining on his current contract with Philadelphia, including a $67 million player option for the 2028-29 season.
Joel Embiid Turned in a Dominant Performance in Game 5 vs. Celtics
It’s worth noting that Carter-Williams’ comments came before Embiid turned in a dominant performance in a victory against the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of the first-round playoff series between the teams.
Embiid tallied 33 points, 8 assists and 4 rebounds in one of the better playoff performances of his career. The fact that the performance came less than three weeks after he underwent an emergency appendectomy makes it even more impressive.
“I don’t complain. I just want to give as much as I can every single time I step on the floor,” Embiid said after the game. “… I just want to play basketball, whether I’m good, physical, mentally or whatever I just want to enjoy these moments of just being a part of a basketball team that’s trying to accomplish something and that’s to win every single game.”
While impressive, Embiid’s Game 5 performance might not have changed the opinion of Carter-Williams and others who think the Sixers should try to trade the big man.
After all, there’s no question about Embiid’s ability when he’s out on the floor. It’s the fact that it’s difficult for the Sixers to count on him to be available when they need him that has caused some to suggest a trade, and one great performance likely won’t alter that opinion.
Former Philadelphia 76ers Star Says Team Should Consider Joel Emiid Trade