Joel Embiid Is Speaking Up, and the Sixers Need to Listen
With the NBA trade deadline just days away, the Philadelphia 76ers are sitting in a familiar spot: on the edge of something bigger. They’ve got an open roster spot, a handful of tradable contracts, draft picks to sweeten any deal, and a wide-open Eastern Conference that feels more like an invitation than a challenge.
They’re five games over .500 and currently in line for a top-six seed. In short, the window isn’t just cracked open-it’s wide enough to walk through.
And Joel Embiid is making it clear: it’s time for this team to go all in.
“In the past, we’ve been ducking the tax,” Embiid said this week. “So hopefully we think about improving [the team at the deadline], because we got a chance.”
It’s not just a plea-it’s a statement from a franchise cornerstone who’s seen enough to believe this team deserves reinforcements. And frankly, he’s right.
The Embiid Renaissance
Let’s start with the obvious: Joel Embiid is back. After a brutal 2024-25 season that saw him appear in just 19 games and look far from his dominant self, the reigning MVP has returned with purpose.
He’s already played in 27 games this season, and while he might not be the absolute peak version of himself, he’s not far off. His averages-25.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists-only tell part of the story.
Over his last 18 games, he’s been even better, putting up 29.4 points, 8.3 boards, and 4.3 dimes per night.
This version of Embiid might not be the undisputed top-three player he once was, but he’s still the best player on the floor most nights. And more importantly, he’s available.
He’s competing. He’s leading.
That matters, especially when you consider how much of the Sixers’ recent past has been defined by his health and availability.
Maxey and Edgecombe: The Future Is Now
Tyrese Maxey has taken yet another leap this season, blossoming into a legitimate co-star. His pace, confidence, and shot-making have given the Sixers a second engine.
And then there’s rookie VJ Edgecombe, who’s been one of the most polished first-year players in the league. He’s not just surviving-he’s contributing to wins.
Whether it’s cutting off the ball, defending at a high level, or making the right reads, he’s showing a feel for the game that’s rare in a rookie.
Add in Paul George, who’s had some strong moments settling into his role, and there’s a core here that can make noise. But to do that, they need help. The roster isn’t complete yet.
The Flaws Are Obvious-And Fixable
Let’s not sugarcoat it: this team has its issues. They struggle on the glass, their defense can lose connectivity, and the third quarter continues to be a puzzle they haven’t solved.
But these aren’t fatal flaws-they’re fixable ones. And that’s the point.
If this team was broken, you’d understand hesitancy at the deadline. But they’re not.
They’re five games over .500, they’ve got a superstar playing at near-elite levels again, and two rising stars who are only getting better. This is a team worth investing in.
And Embiid knows it.
“I hope that at least we get a chance to just go out and compete…”
He’s not just asking for help-he’s asking for belief. From ownership.
From the front office. From the people who decide whether this team is worth spending on.
The Cost of Contending
Here’s the hard truth: the Sixers have a history of trimming costs when they should be adding talent. Last season, they attached a pick to offload Jaden Springer.
The year before, it was K.J. Martin.
Moves like that might make sense on a spreadsheet, but they send a message-especially to the guy carrying your franchise.
No one’s saying teams shouldn’t be financially responsible. But there’s a difference between being smart and being cheap. And when you’ve got Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and a promising rookie like Edgecombe all trending in the right direction, this isn’t the time to nickel-and-dime the roster.
If the front office genuinely doesn’t believe this team can contend, that’s a conversation worth having. But if the reason for inaction is to preserve flexibility for other ventures-like, say, a certain NFL team in Washington-that’s a different story entirely.
Embiid’s Voice Carries Weight
It’s rare for Embiid to speak publicly about front office decisions. He’s usually tight-lipped, careful, even diplomatic.
So when he breaks that silence, it means something. And this isn’t the first time his voice has moved the needle.
Back during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the organization initially balked at paying arena employees, it was Embiid who stepped up and offered to foot the bill himself. That public stance helped push the team to do the right thing.
This feels like another moment like that-one where the franchise player is drawing a line in the sand. He’s not demanding a blockbuster.
He’s not calling anyone out by name. He’s just saying: we have a chance.
Let’s not waste it.
“Every single time I just step on the floor I become emotional because the last 2 years have been really tough… I don’t take it for granted.”
That’s a player who knows his window isn’t infinite. And that should be a wake-up call for the front office.
The Time Is Now
Joel Embiid isn’t going to be this version of himself forever. Maxey and Edgecombe are ascending, but they’re not ready to carry the weight alone. This is the moment to act-not just for this season, but for what it says about the organization’s belief in its own core.
The Sixers have the assets. They have the roster spot.
They have the need. And they have a superstar asking-politely, but pointedly-for help.
The countdown to February 5 is on. The question now is simple: will the Sixers answer the call?