Reason No. 2: Joel Embiid may be ready for a fresh start after continued disappointment
If Ben Simmons was able to pull the strings of the front office and force a trade for himself, you can only imagine how much power Joel Embiid would have if he theoretically wanted to force a trade for himself.
I’m not saying that Embiid is or isn’t going to demand a trade this offseason, but I’d have to imagine that another first or second-round playoff exit isn’t going to sit well with Embiid. The big question is whether or not he is tired of trusting the Sixers organization to build a championship-level supporting cast around him, and watching them fail at nearly every turn.
However, if the Sixers do end up having to retool the roster again around Embiid, that will prove to be easier said than done. Especially if Harden leaves. For as talented as an executive as Sam Hinkie is, I’m not sure even he could retool the roster in one offseason in a way that would make it seem attractive to Embiid.
There’s a very real chance that Embiid could end up wanting a fresh start after this season. And if he wants one, he’ll likely get one.