Following another disappointing playoff exit, questions are growing around Joel Embiid’s future with the Philadelphia 76ers. Several contenders, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Houston Rockets, could explore blockbuster trade scenarios this offseason.

Joel Embiid has averaged 27.7 PPG in the playoffs but has never advanced past the second round. New York Knicks power forward Karl-Anthony Towns has been to the Conference Finals the last three years, while Embiid has never reached it in 10 years.

Rockets Target Embiid, Antetokounmpo To Fuel Durant’s Title Window

Joel Embiid
Jan 22, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) dunks the ball in front of Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Embiid, alongside Donovan Mitchell, Kawhi Leonard, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, could be targeted this offseason by the Rockets to pair up with Kevin Durant. Embiid has not played 40 games in any of the last three seasons. Mitchell’s future with the Cleveland Cavaliers is uncertain. The Los Angeles Clippers could put Leonard on the trade market if his expiring contract is not voided this summer.

They are all injury-prone except for Mitchell. Houston should run it back with a healthy Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams and go get some legitimate bench players.

Why Miami Must Start Kel’el And Skip The Embiid Gamble

Joel Embiid
Nov 18, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) drives to the basket against Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (13) during the first quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Heat have a great organization when it comes to being professional, but Embiid has a history of not performing well in the playoffs.

Miami has also revived careers like those of Caleb Martin, Davion Mitchell, Dion Waiters, Hassan Whiteside, Duncan Robinson, Max Strus, James Johnson, and Gabe Vincent. They also get the most out of their players, like Kendrick Nunn, Josh Richardson, Tyler Johnson, Justice Winslow, and Rodney McGruder.

Embiid and Bam Adebayo do not make sense together. The Heat need to start Kel’el Ware and not trade him when he is a clear hit at the center position. They should develop him with Adebayo, who is a better power forward than center.

Why The Embiid-Luka-LeBron ‘Superteam’ Is A Lakers Nightmare

Joel Embiid
Feb 5, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Lakers are known for going after big-name superstars. Going from trading Anthony Davis to bringing in Embiid would be a recipe for disaster. LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Embiid would be making over $150 million. There are concerns about whether Los Angeles would have enough depth to win a championship.

The Lakers would have no bench if they acquired Embiid, and that is already a significant problem. Los Angeles would probably have to give up two first-round picks and expiring contracts without including Austin Reaves.

End Of My Joel Embiid Rant

Joel Embiid
May 8, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts to a play against the New York Knicks during the first quarter of game three of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Embiid is owed over $170 million over the next three seasons. He will make $57.9 million in 2027, $62.6 million in 2028, and $67.2 million in 2029.

Embiid’s long line of injuries continues. Once again, the Sixers are looking for answers. Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe are the future in Philadelphia. Ladies and gentlemen, the Process 3.0 has begun.