The Philadelphia 76ers’ playoff run ended with a 144-114 loss to the New York Knicks on Sunday night, marking the sixth time Joel Embiid has been eliminated in the second round. The superstar center’s quest for an NBA Finals appearance remains unfulfilled after a decade with the franchise. Last season, the team reassembled its Big 3 alongside Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, but uncertainty now looms over the roster.
When asked about his future, Embiid said, “I love Philly. I’ve been here my whole career. A lot has happened. We haven’t won.” The 31-year-old expressed eagerness for the offseason, focusing on improving his game rather than recovering from injury. “Going into the summer, having a chance to be more prepared with everything bodywise, and you know my game,” he added. Embiid also credited his teammates for stepping up during the regular season and playoffs.
However, his comments took a cautious turn. “Tyrese is going to be better, and he’s taking a step every single year. PG that we saw the last couple of weeks — you know, he still got it. And then everybody else. I don’t know who’s going to be here. I don’t even know if I’m going to be here, but you know, whatever happens happens.” The uncertainty extends to the Big 3’s future, as the trio played only 15 games together this season. Despite that, the franchise trusted them for another run, and they managed to upset the Celtics in the first round before falling to the Knicks.
Paul George is entering the second year of a four-year, $211.6 million contract signed two offseasons ago. He played well in the playoffs after returning from a 25-game suspension, but the Sixers face a hefty payroll — Embiid and George alone will cost $111 million next season — with no guarantee of durability. The team traded Jared McCain at the deadline to reduce luxury tax, prioritizing Quentin Grimes and rookie VJ Edgecombe. While keeping Edgecombe proved wise, Grimes has struggled, averaging just 6.5 points in the postseason, which has added pressure on Maxey. Both Grimes and Kelly Oubre Jr. are unrestricted free agents, further clouding the roster outlook.
Beyond immediate roster questions, some former 76ers believe a larger move is warranted. Michael Carter-Williams, the 2014 NBA Rookie of the Year who played with Embiid in Philadelphia, suggested on FanDuel’s Run It Back that trading Embiid could be the path forward. “I think it’s almost getting to that point,” Carter-Williams said. “They have young guys that are…” The implication is clear: a rebuild centered around Maxey and Edgecombe might require parting with The Process.