Philadelphia 76ers Make No Big Moves Despite Massive Request From Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers struggled in many different ways a season ago, but in 2025–26, they've seemingly turned things around in a big way. While they've got veterans like Joel Embiid and Paul George, it's the young core that's led the way for them, with All-Star Tyrese Maxey taking his game to another level entirely alongside Quentin Grimes and VJ Edgecombe. 

Many believe that despite the team sitting in sixth place in the Eastern Conference, they could be a top contender, and that includes Embiid, who has played in 30 of their 51 games this season. Because of that, he reportedly went to the front office ahead of the trade deadline to urge them to make a big move, as he believes they could be a true title threat this season.

However, instead of adding to this team for the immediate future, the team looked long-term instead, picking up a first-round pick in exchange for young guard Jared McCain, whom they drafted back in 2024. On paper, this is still a talented, deep squad that has good players at every position, and while they could be a true contender, it's easy to see why Embiid and the veterans on this team may have been disappointed by a lack of moves.

Ultimately, we will have to wait and see how this season plays out for Philadelphia, but given that Embiid has been relatively healthy, it's a tough look for Daryl Morey and the front office not to support their biggest star and make a big move.