Is Joel Embiid thinking about leaving Philadelphia? Even if there's nothing concrete, the Cameroonian has dropped a line that could have Sixers fans and executives shaking in their boots.
"I just want to win a title, whatever it takes. I don't know where it's going to happen. Whether it's in Philly or somewhere else, I just want a chance to accomplish that." These are the words of Joel Embiid. He made them during an interview with Maverick Carter, LeBron James' business manager and close friend, at the UNINTERRUPTED Film Festival in Hollywood. As a great player, MVP of the 2023 season and one of the benchmarks at his position for several years, this statement could pass for natural. But the part that caught the eye was "whether in Phily or elsewhere". As a result, rumors are once again swirling about his future with the Sixers.
"I just want to win a championship. Whatever it takes. I don't know where that's gonna be. Whether it's in Philly or anywhere else. I just want to have a chance."
Joel Embiid on his future with the Sixers 🗣
(via @ajtorres1230)pic.twitter.com/0g8mQgWfU0
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 17, 2023
After another "failure" in the play-offs last season (eliminated by Boston in the conference semi-finals), the Sixers began a new process. First, they showed coach Doc Rivers the door. This was followed by a number of moves, including the departure of George Niang. In addition, the team's other star, James Harden, asked to leave. Finally, Joel Embiid has been targeted by several other teams. All of these factors call into question Philadelphia's upcoming season. Some fans and observers criticize his inability to lead his team to at least the Conference Finals. In fact, he is the only MVP who has never played in the Conference Finals.
A long-term contract
Nevertheless, the Cameroonian is confident of the difficulty of winning the NBA title. "It's not easy (to win the title), you need more than one, two, or three guys. You need to have good people around you. Every day, I work hard to be at the level to be productive and make it happen," admits Joel Embiid. The 29-year-old pivot still has three years left on his contract with Phily. He has a $59 million player option for the 2026-27 season. As much as to say that the teams who want to dislodge him will have to find a formula up to the task.
