With the seemingly endless drama surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers, in this case specifically pertaining to James Harden, it’s fair to wonder about the potential fallout of the situation, specifically as it relates to Joel Embiid.
It has been reported at great length that teams, the New York Knicks being among the most often referenced, are preparing for Embid to be the next superstar to request a trade. A recent poll from ESPN also showed that 40% of voters feel the same way regarding a potential trade demand.
Despite all outside noise around his future, all signs, including this recent piece by Shelburne, point to the big fella staying put for the time being.
In a recent piece discussing the latest regarding James Harden, Shelburne touched on the potential of an Embiid trade request, saying, “Thus far, Embiid has given the franchise assurances he is OK riding out the current drama with Harden, sources said. How long he gives them to resolve the matter remains to be seen.”
This nugget matches up with a previous report by Liberty Ballers’ Paul Hudrick, who reported on the commitment between the team and the reigning MVP last month, and another previous report by Shelburne in which she stated Embiid is “happy” to be a Sixer. This of course does not mean that the day will not come when one or both sides decide it’s time to move on. But as Aragorn said at the Black Gate of Mordor, “it is not this day.”
Embird, to his credit, has done what he can to maintain his relationship with Harden throughout this ongoing saga, from making the right public comments to inviting Harden to his wedding – according to one of Shelburne’s sources. Emblid has talked the talk of wanting the future Hall of Famer to return.
It’s understandable that Embiid would want to find a way for the Sixers and Harden to make up. After all, the superstar center enjoyed an MVP season alongside last season’s assists leader. However, in spite of the near certainty that James Harden will be traded, Joel Embiid, by all meaningful accounts, is prepared to stay in Philadelphia.
