After once again flaming out of the second round of the playoffs, the Philadelphia 76ers enter a pivotal part of the Joel Embiid era.
The 76ers have tried for years to get over the hump and despite an MVP season for Embiid were unable to exorcise their postseason demons.
Philadelphia spent most of the offseason dealing with the James Harden situation as the star guard asked out after things fell through on a new deal.
Harden listed the Los Angeles Clippers as his preferred landing spot, though trade talks between them and the 76ers have seemingly stalled.
Philadelphia understands that they need to find a way to appease Embiid who is widely speculated to be the next big-name star to ask out.
However, the 76ers appear ready to pounce on one of the Clippers’ star wings in free agency via Brian Windhorst of ESPN.
“Philadelphia right now has positioned itself to be a big free-agent player. I guess Philadelphia could swoop in and go after [Paul George] or [Kawhi Leonard],” Windhorst said.
Imagine this duo 👀
Brian Windhorst: “Philadelphia right now has positioned itself to be a big free-agent player. I guess Philadelphia could swoop in and go after [Paul George] or [Kawhi Leonard].” pic.twitter.com/SLVNK635om
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 21, 2023
It would be a funny turn of events if Harden ended up in Los Angeles just to see one of Kawhi Leonard or Paul George leave for Philadelphia.
Embiid has proven he can be the best player on a title team, but adding a wing like Leonard or George would greatly increase his chances of getting that elusive first title.
At this juncture, it’s hard to imagine Leonard or George leaving Southern California again but perhaps the allure of playing with Embiid could sway them to move back east.
NEXT: Insider Notes The Power Damian Lillard, James Harden Have On Their Team's Seasons
