Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid and president of basketball operations Daryl Morey touched base after Embiid’s comments about his future went viral, according to NBA insider Ian Begley of SNY.
Embiid caused a major stir when he told LeBron James’ business partner, Maverick Carter, “I just want to win a championship, whatever it takes. I don’t know where that’s going to be, whether it’s in Philly or anywhere else.”
Some people around the NBA thought Embiid was upset at the Sixers since James Harden requested a trade. However, Embiid isn’t looking to get traded by Philadelphia, who signed the center to a four-year, $210 million contract extension in 2021.
“After the comments went viral, Embiid and Sixers team president Daryl Morey touched base,” Begley wrote. “One theme of the conversation, per people familiar with the matter: Embiid wants to be in Philly and win in Philly. Both team and player envision Embiid on a Derek Jeter-type trajectory: remaining as the face of his franchise until he retires.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
In 394 regular-season games with the Sixers, Embiid is averaging 27.2 points and 11.2 rebounds. He has made six All-Star teams, five All-NBA teams and three All-Defensive teams and won one MVP Award.
Embiid hasn’t spoken to the Sixers about wanting to get traded, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. The Sixers’ belief is that Embiid would like to spend his entire career with them, similar to Dirk Nowitzki with the Dallas Mavericks and Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid & Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Embiid told Showtime’s Rachel Nichols that he hopes Harden will be on the Sixers next season. Harden has opted into his 2023-24 player option and wants to get traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. The New York Knicks have loomed as the leading suitor for Embiid if he requests a trade, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports. However, Embiid hasn’t requested a trade.
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