Former Nets Executive Reveals Downside of Trading Joel Embiid originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

There have been questions regarding the future of Joel Embiid with the Philadelphia 76ers. Last season, Embiid’s injuries piled up and prevented him from playing at least 20 games. He was limited to 19 games and was shut down after the 2025 All-Star break.

With that, there have been talks about potentially trading Embiid and starting anew. The injuries have prevented the star center from contributing significantly recently, but he’s still one of the best players when healthy. 

Heading into the offseason, many believe the Sixers are exploring the possibility of trading Embiid. However, a former league executive presented the disadvantage Philly could experience.

Former Brooklyn Nets general manager Billy King revealed his thoughts on the Sixers’ matter. According to King, he thinks the organization might not get a lot in return for Embiid, given that he’s often injured.

“The hardest thing is knowing that when Joel is healthy, he’s one of the best players in the league. Everybody’s going to say, ‘Well, he’s never healthy.’ But the thing about it is, when you trade him, you’re never getting players of equal value,” King said on 94WIP.

King added that the Sixers should pursue players who are more athletic to surround Embiid. The former executive said that the franchise should have 6-foot-8 players around the 2023 MVP. 

The Sixers have not decided what to do with Embiid. However, they’ve hinted in the past that they’re committed to the Cameroonian big man and the star players they’ve acquired to help him.

Next season, the organization will attempt to run it back with its Big 3.

Related: Former 76ers Guard Questions Paul George’s Hall of Fame Case

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.