The Philadelphia 76ers are unafraid to part ways with Joel Embiid if his on-court issues continue.
On Tuesday, the seven-time All-Star was handed a three-game suspension by the NBA after he assaulted 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 told DailyMail.com that the organization is willing to sever ties with Embiid if the situation worsens, citing his lack of remorse for the incident.
‘Joel has zero remorse over this incident and would do it again and again and again,’ the source says. ‘Being suspended is fine with him, he was empowered to do it because he was so upset and still upset about it.
‘Team officials have made it clear; they don’t want this to ever happen again and have asked him to let this pass and be an unfortunate incident and they want him to be the bigger man and move on,’ the source added. ‘If he abides, 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 issues continue
On Tuesday, the NBA suspended Embiid for three games after he assaulted a local reporter
‘Trading him would be the last case scenario and pretty much 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 maximum contract extension, so him leaving in any way is not happening, not saying that is 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 his son.
‘The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you are going to see what I’m going to do to you and I’m going to have to… live with the consequences,’ Embiid reportedly said.
The 2023 NBA MVP then continued to use profanity in conversation with Hayes. When the reporter offered to apologize, Embiid did not accept and said ‘That’s not the f****** first time.’
Later, Embiid said that he doesn’t care what reporters say – leading Hayes to respond, ‘But you do.’
Reports say that Embiid got louder and pushed Hayes’ shoulder before the 76ers’ public relations chief interfered.
When a team representative asked the media not to report on the incident, Embiid yelled, ‘They can do whatever they want, I don’t give a s***.’
Embiid has not played in any games for the 76ers this season while dealing with a knee injury
Embiid last played competitive basketball in Paris, helping the Americans win gold medals
An NBA spokesperson told The Athletic’s Sam Amick, ‘We are aware of reports of an incident in the Sixers locker room this evening and are commencing an investigation.’
Hayes recently wrote a column claiming that Embiid disrespects the 76ers and the game of basketball – 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 is yet to suit up this season while dealing with a knee injury. Embiid’s last competitive game came when he helped Team USA bag gold at the Paris Olympics.
On Nov. 1, the seven-time All-Star went on an explicit rant about the criticism he receives and specifically called out Hayes during his rant.
‘When I see people say ‘he does not wanna play,’ I’ve done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk for people to be saying that. I do think this is bulls***,’ Embiid said.
‘Like that dude, he’s not here, Marcus, I’ve done way too much for this f***ing city to be treated like this. Done way too f***ing much. I wish I was as lucky as the other ones, but that does not mean I’m not doing whatever it takes to be out there, which I’m gonna be.’
The 2023 NBA MVP has been the face of the 76ers franchise since getting drafted in 2014
Suspicions about 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 break the player participation policy.
Besides Embiid, newly acquired star Paul George is also out with a knee injury after a hyperextension 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 consecutive games.
