Joel Embiid’s reaction to Jrue Holiday trade adds even more pressure on 76ers to resolve James Harden problem

The NBA’s Eastern Conference fingers race has escalated to mutually confident destruction, with the Milwaukee Bucks including Damian Lillard and the Boston Celtics fortuitously amassing the exiled Jrue Holiday. Milwaukee used to be in short the making a bet favourite to win the NBA identify however has now been supplanted by means of Boston after the Holiday deal. No subject which attitude you peer during the magnifying glass, the Bucks and Celtics are the transparent favorites within the convention.

That approach a irritating summer time for Philadelphia 76ers fanatics has transform exponentially worse previously week. They began the offseason with a disgruntled James Harden issuing a trade request, and right here they take a seat on the eve of media day — nonetheless rostering a disgruntled James Harden (who boldly referred to as 76ers head decision-maker Daryl Morey “a liar” in August), whilst additionally having misplaced two vital rotation items in Shake Milton and Georges Niang.

The 76ers have been reportedly within the operating for Damian Lillard … who went to a convention rival. Then they grew to become their attractions to Jrue Holiday … who went to a department rival. All of this has came about amid rumors swirling about reigning MVP Joel Embiid doubtlessly sniffing round for greener pastures, with groups just like the Knicks and Heat looming like sharks within the water, in a position to strike if and when the massive guy says he desires out.

So the Sixers group could not were glad when, a couple of 30 minutes after the Holiday trade used to be introduced, Embiid took to X (previously Twitter) and posted a sarcasm-dripped, punctuationless, five-word indictment of Philadelphia’s lackluster summer time.

“This off-season was fun lmao,” Embiid posted.

Morey used to be already underneath pressure to kind out the Harden state of affairs. Now with Lillard going to Milwaukee, Holiday headed to Boston and an unsatisfied MVP publicly exhibiting his angst — the stakes have risen exponentially.

The hope, in accordance to more than one reviews, is that Harden displays up glad and wholesome, prepared to give issues some other shot with the 76ers. ESPN reported in mid-August that Harden could be anticipated to document to coaching camp, which he deliberate to do.

That all sounds superb, however we’ve got observed (two times), how Harden plays when he desires out of a company. His ultimate sport with the Houston Rockets earlier than being dealt to the Nets used to be a 5-for-16 appearing. Then the following season, when he sought after out of Brooklyn, he completed with 4 issues and 6 turnovers on 2-for-11 capturing towards the Sacramento Kings, and used to be a minus-21 in his final sport earlier than being close down and later dealt to Philadelphia. Harden additionally displayed the kind of protection that would maximum correctly be described as sabotage.

If Morey and Embiid can one way or the other therapeutic massage the placement sufficient to get Harden to play at most effort, the Sixers must be simply tremendous — all the way through the common season, a minimum of. When Harden and Embiid shared the ground final season, Philadelphia post a ludicrous 121 issues consistent with 100 possessions with a plus-nine internet ranking. And whilst dropping Milton and Niang hurts, the prospective contributions from offseason acquisitions Kelly Oubre Jr., Patrick Beverley and Danny Green may just make up for that manufacturing.

Expecting Harden to feel free after what he mentioned this summer time, then again, is enjoying with fireplace — so the cheap plan of action could be to trade him. The problem is, that the trade marketplace for Harden turns out to be drier than the Sahara, as ESPN reported in August that Morey were not able to succeed in an appropriate handle Harden’s most popular vacation spot — the L.A. Clippers.

If the Clippers are out, it is laborious to in finding some other staff that is smart for Harden, who’s on an expiring $36 million deal after exercising his participant possibility previous this offseason. Perhaps Harden can also be satisfied {that a} productive first part of the season with Philadelphia will lead to more profitable trade provides pouring in across the February 2024 closing date. At this level, that could be the optimum plan for each side, however Harden has to absolutely buy-in.

Whether the 76ers finally end up buying and selling Harden or maintaining him, it is a very powerful that Morey and the remainder of the group finesse this example correctly. Or else they’re going to have to take a seat and watch because the Bucks and Celtics skyrocket whilst they flounder, all with the threat of an eventual Embiid trade request looming above their sweaty, exhausted brows.