Joel Embiid’s recent comments are bound to spark trade speculation

Joel Embiid’s recent comments are bound to stoke the winds of trade with the Philadelphia 76ers, or at least the idea of that possibility.

Depending on how the offseason ends for the Philadelphia 76ers, there’s a chance that this franchise could undergo some big changes over the course of the next calendar year. Right now, all eyes are on James Harden. But that could change pretty quickly. Harden has requested a trade to the LA Clippers, but there doesn’t seem to be a deal that is imminent between the two teams. Considering that the asking price for Harden is also reportedly high, that hasn’t helped any either.

If the Sixers do end up trading Harden to the Clippers, even if the return is good, it will undoubtedly leave the team as a lesser team than they were last season. For all of Harden’s limitations at this point in his carer, it’s hard to say that he isn’t still one of the better offensive players in the league. The Sixers would genuinely miss him and the team would be worse without him.

His departure could open the door for another big decision, this one from Joel Embiid. Without a second star on the Sixers, Embiid may have to rethink his future with the team.

And if his recent comments are any indication, perhaps it’s something that he’s already beginning to ponder.

These comments are not that surprising. The fact that Embiid’s ultimate goal is to win a championship is not outlandish. However, the fact that he even opened the door for it to happen elsewhere suggests that he’s come (or is coming) to the realization that it could happen.

The path to Joel Embiid demanding a trade isn’t that unlikely

And you can make the argument that the path to Embiid asking for a trade is not that far away.

If Harded does end up being traded before the season, Embiid could look around the locker room and come to the conclusion that he and the Sixers are on different paths. There’s a very real chance that Embiid could be looking at a possible “gap year” in Philadelphia.

That may not be acceptable in his eyes. And if he doesn’t have faith in the organization to quickly turn this around, it would not be surprising if Embiid decided that it’s in his best interest to seek greener pastures before he exits his prime.

These comments are not a trade demand or request, but it’s absolutely something to keep an eye on over the next few weeks.