The Philadelphia 76ers have been dealt a devastating blow as Joel Embiid, their star player and reigning MVP, is set to undergo corrective surgery for an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee. The surgery will likely sideline Embiid for an extended period, with the best-case scenario being a 6-8 week recovery time and the worst-case scenario potentially ending his season.
Embiid's absence is a significant setback for the Sixers, who were considered one of the top contenders for the NBA championship. Prior to his injury, Embiid was leading the league in scoring, averaging an impressive 35.3 points per game on 53.3% shooting, along with 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.8 blocks. His performance was on another level, and his injury comes at a crucial time for the team.
The injury also complicates the Sixers' plans leading up to the trade deadline. With Embiid likely out for an extended period, the team will have to reconsider their options. They were previously expected to be major buyers in the trade market, but now they might shift their focus to the offseason. The Sixers have the potential to create around $55 million in salary-cap space, which could allow them to pursue a third star player. However, this would require renouncing the rights to most of their free agents, including starters Tobias Harris, De'Anthony Melton, and Nicolas Batum.
There is also the new salary-floor rule to consider, which mandates that teams reach 90% of the salary cap by the start of the regular season. Not meeting this requirement results in the forfeiture of their share of the luxury-tax payout. If the Sixers fail to secure their top targets in free agency, they might have to scramble to reach the salary floor. This could lead them to hand out short-term balloon contracts or simply run back the same core with the hope of better luck with injuries in the future.
While the Sixers might be tempted to pin their hopes on the offseason, they should also be aware that the free-agent market has been drying up. This might make them more open to taking on contracts that extend beyond this season at the trade deadline, even if it impacts their future flexibility. The looming salary-floor rules further complicate their decision-making process.
With Embiid out, the Sixers' immediate priority should be finding a stopgap replacement at the trade deadline. They currently hold the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference and will need to do everything possible to remain in playoff contention until their star player returns. However, the likelihood of them climbing higher in the standings, let alone making a deep playoff run, is slim without home-court advantage and with a depleted roster.
It may come as a disappointment to many fans, but the Sixers' best course of action at the trade deadline might involve focusing on the offseason and making moves that prioritize flexibility or secure players on multiyear deals. The team will need to carefully evaluate the feasibility of their options and make strategic decisions accordingly.
The road ahead for the Sixers is paved with uncertainty. Losing their MVP candidate for an extended period poses significant challenges, both in the immediate future and in terms of long-term planning. The team will need to adapt, make tough decisions, and hope for a successful recovery for Joel Embiid.
