The Philadelphia 76ers are prepared to part ways with Joel Embiid if his off-court issues continue, a source told DailyMail.com.
On Tuesday, the seven-time All-Star received a three-game suspension from the NBA after assaulting Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes. The incident occurred in the locker room after Philadelphia’s 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies over the weekend.
In light of the ban, a source has revealed that the organization is willing to cut ties with Embiid if the situation worsens, citing his lack of remorse for the incident.
“Joel has no remorse for this incident and would do it again and again,” the source told DailyMail.com. “Being suspended is fine for him, he had the power to do it because he was very upset and still upset about it.”
‘The team managers have made it clear; “They don’t want this to happen again and have asked him to let it go and let it be an unfortunate incident and they want him to be a bigger man and move on,” the source added. “If he delivers, great, if he continues to do detrimental things then the franchise might have to consider trading him.”
The Philadelphia 76ers would consider trading Joel Embiid if his on-court problems continue
“Trading him would be the last scenario and practically impossible, since when he is healthy, he is one of the best in the NBA,” the source continued. “He also just signed a three-year, $192.9 million max contract extension, so his departure either way won’t happen. I’m not saying that’s the 76ers’ intention, but it would be considered if he continues to be a nuisance.” .
The Associated Press initially reported that Embiid confronted the Philadelphia Inquirer columnist over an article he wrote referring to his late brother and son.
“Next time you mention my dead brother and my son again, you’re going to see what I’m going to do to you and I’m going to have to…live with the consequences,” Embiid allegedly said.
The 2023 NBA MVP then continued to use profanity in a conversation with Hayes. When the reporter offered to apologize, Embiid declined, saying, “That’s not the first fucking time.”
Embiid later said he doesn’t care what reporters say, prompting Hayes to respond, “But you do.”
Reports say Embiid made more noise and pushed Hayes’ shoulder before the 76ers public relations chief interfered.
When a team representative asked the media not to report the incident, Embiid yelled, “You can do whatever you want, I don’t give a damn.”
On Tuesday, the NBA suspended Embiid for three games after he assaulted a local journalist.
Embiid, who is currently injured, last played basketball in Paris, helping the United States win gold.
An NBA spokesperson told The Athletic’s Sam Amick: “We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this afternoon and are beginning an investigation.”
Hayes recently wrote a column claiming that Embiid disrespects the 76ers and the game of basketball, even going so far as to suggest that the Sixers should give fans refunds when the former MVP doesn’t play.
The claim came as Embiid has yet to suit up this season as he deals with a knee injury. Embiid’s last competitive game was when he helped Team USA win gold at the Paris Olympics.
On November 1, the seven-time All-Star went on an explicit rant about the criticism he receives and specifically criticized Hayes during his rant.
“When I see people say ‘he doesn’t want to play,’ I’ve done too much for this city, putting myself at risk of people saying that. I think this is nonsense,” Embiid said.
‘Like that guy, he’s not here, Marcus, I’ve done too much for this damn city to be treated like this. I have done too much. I wish I was as lucky as everyone else, but that doesn’t mean I’m not doing whatever it takes to be there, and I will.’
The 2023 NBA MVP has been the face of the 76ers franchise since he was selected in 2014.
Suspicions over his absence led the NBA to fine the 76ers $100,000 on Tuesday. The charge came after team president Daryl Morey and head coach Nick Nurse made inconsistent public statements about Embiid’s health.
However, it was later reported that they did not violate the player participation policy.
In addition to Embiid, newly acquired star Paul George is also out with a knee injury after hyperextending during the preseason.
Without both stars, the 76ers are 1-5 this season, riding a three-game losing streak before facing the Clippers and Lakers in back-to-back games.
