Inside The Celtics

Joel Embiid Processing Sixers' Future, Could He Join Jayson Tatum on Celtics?

The Celtics and Sixers demonstrating patience this summer could lead to Jayson Tatum and Joel Embiid teaming up in Boston after this season.

Bobby Krivitsky

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In an interview with Maverick Carter, one of the founders of agent and sports-marketing company LRMR, along with LeBron James, Rich Paul, and Randy Mims, and a media personality, Joel Embiid openly questions whether his championship pursuit will keep him in Philadelphia or force him to go elsewhere.

The Sixers' star center has never advanced past the Eastern Conference Semifinals. He's seen his on-court partnership with Ben Simmons dissolve, Jimmy Butler exit and James Harden ask out of the City of Brotherly Love.

While the latter could return to help the reigning MVP pursue the Larry O'Brien Trophy, the idea of running it back with the same top four of Embiid, Harden, Tyrese Maxey, and Tobias Harris is underwhelming.

Philadelphia changed coaches, bringing in one of the best defensive minds in basketball, Nick Nurse. But after losing Game 6 to the Celtics on their home floor, then seeing Jayson Tatum erupt for 51 points in a record-setting performance three days later, advancing further into the playoffs, let alone capturing an NBA title, likely requires shaking up the roster.

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In this author's opinion, as good as Maxey might become, given Embiid's timeline, it's worth trading the exuberant guard and fan favorite, as painful as it would be, to acquire Damian Lillard.

Boston seems unwilling to part with Jaylen Brown in what would likely be a three-team deal, sending the All-NBA wing to a team he's more likely to re-sign with after the season than the Trail Blazers. That choice could lead to Lillard joining the Sixers if they'll trade Maxey.

And while the seven-time All-Star has rejected the idea of going anywhere but Miami, it's hard to envision him not embracing pursuing a championship alongside Embiid or Jayson Tatum.

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But if Maxey stays, Philadelphia's five-time All-NBA center may leave. It's unlikely the two-time scoring champion will ask out this summer. However, another disappointing playoff run and failure to get out of the second round could leave Embiid, who turns 30 in March, feeling like he has to demand a trade, much like Lillard.

It's another reason the Celtics may be better off with Brown, even if they could find a deal that brings Lillard to Boston.

The C's All-NBA tandem has led the franchise to the Eastern Conference Finals in four of their six years together and came within two wins of Banner 18. Brown, 26, just entered his prime. Tatum, 25, isn't there yet.

The organization would be wise to see what the duo can accomplish together for at least one more season. Strengthening the coaching staff with, most notably, the hires of Charles Lee and former Sixers assistant Sam Cassell, plus the hope and internal belief Joe Mazzulla will be better in year two, adds to that argument.

And if it doesn't work out and the Celtics decide to pivot next summer, it could coincide with Embiid making a trade request. There's also uncertainty about how much longer stars like Luka Doncic, Donovan Mitchell, and Giannis Antetokounmpo will remain in their respective NBA homes.

Further Reading

Celtics Reportedly Show Interest in Signing Austin Rivers

Gabe Vincent Says He Sensed Celtics Were 'Not Fully Right Internally' in Eastern Conference Finals

Negotiations Between Celtics, Jaylen Brown Hit a Snag

3 Up, 3 Down from Celtics' Summer League Win vs. Lakers

Here's What the Celtics Received in Finalized Grant Williams Sign-and-Trade

Sam Cassell Discusses What Brought Him Back to Boston and What He'll Bring to the Celtics

Celtics Reportedly Attend Former All-Star Point Guard's Private Workout

Oshae Brissett on Joining Celtics: 'I Just Want to Go Win'

Marcus Smart Reflects on His Time with Celtics: 'I Left Everything I Had'

Evaluating Celtics' Options in Free Agency

Published
Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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