Star center Joel Embiid has been enjoying the progress his Philadelphia 76ers squad have made throughout the 2025-26 NBA season.
Knowing how important it will be to improve the roster while maintaining chemistry with the main core, Embiid delivered a clear message to the front office.
Joel Embiid Requests 76ers’ Front Office To Build on the Current Roster
Embiid provided his thoughts on the team’s current standing after the 76ers’ win over the Sacramento Kings on Jan. 29, per reporter Derek Bodner. When reporters asked him about keeping the team together, the veteran star made a clear request to the front office.
“Obviously, we’ve been ducking the tax the last couple of years, so hopefully we keep the same team. I love all the guys that are here. I think we got a shot. So, hopefully — I don’t know what they’re gonna do, but I hope that at least we got a chance to just go out and compete because we got a good group of guys in this locker room, and vibes are great,” Embiid said.
“So yeah, like I said in the past, we’ve been, I guess, ducking the tax. So, hopefully, we would think about improving because I believe we have a chance.”
Joel Embiid, asked about keeping the team together at the trade deadline:
“In the past we’ve been ducking the tax, so hopefully we think about improving [the team at the deadline], because we got a chance.”
“I hope that at least we get a chance to just go out and compete,… pic.twitter.com/QdCz3HlbL9
— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) January 30, 2026
Embiid is going through the 12th season of his career with the 76ers. He has experienced both winning and losing campaigns with the franchise, understanding the importance of highs and lows throughout his career.
Last season was tough for the star center, who missed 63 games due to numerous injuries. Philadelphia has since eased him back into the rotation this campaign as the veteran big man has made strides in improving his fitness.
Not only that, but the 76ers have found a core they can build for the long time. Tyrese Maxey has transformed into an All-Star while rookie guard VJ Edgecombe has delivered impressive performances as a full-time starter. This has allowed Philadelphia to return to the playoff picture, a promising sign for the future.
Embiid and the 76ers Look To Climb the East Standings
It’s clear that Embiid wants to have a talented squad surrounding him as he aspires to make his first deep playoff run with the franchise. Given how positive the results have been so far, there is a chance for the 76ers to make serious noise if they play their cards right.
Philadelphia currently has a 26-21 record this season, holding the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They have a one-game edge over the Miami Heat and a 1.5-game edge over the Orlando Magic. However, they are behind the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Toronto Raptors by two games.
The 76ers will conclude their three-game homestand before going on the road for five consecutive games. They host the New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. ET before traveling to Los Angeles to face the Clippers on Feb. 2 at 10 p.m. ET.
