Joel Embiid’s presence on the Philadelphia 76ers may do more to hurt their pursuit of LeBron James than help it.
The fit between James and Embiid is a “massive” concern for James’ camp, according to NBA reporter Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson. There is even a belief that James and Embiid should not share the floor together if they end up on the same team, and the 76ers might even have to trade Embiid to accommodate James.
While there is mutual respect between the two players, James is also said to have concerns about Embiid’s durability and whether he can hold up physically during a long championship pursuit.
It is fair to question whether the 76ers would and even could trade Embiid just to bring James in for a year or two. Embiid is still owed roughly $111 million over the next two seasons, and that does not even include the $67.4 million player option he has for 2028-29. His name has come up in trade rumors, but only casually.
James’ concerns about Embiid’s durability are certainly not unjustified. He has played in just 96 games over the last three seasons combined, and he has not quite been the same player he used to be even when he has been able to play.
The Sixers have launched a serious pursuit of James, with the presence of Tyrese Maxey a big selling point. Embiid may be doing that pursuit more harm than good, though.
