Joel Embiid has played with multiple star players during his career with the Philadelphia 76ers. From Ben Simmons to James Harden to Paul George, he has had his share of star teammates.
However, there is one NBA superstar the 76ers attempted to acquire to pair with Embiid ahead of this year’s trade deadline.
The 76ers Tried to Pair Joel Embiid With a Two-Time NBA Champion
Embiid has been in the NBA since 2014, standing out as one of the league’s best players when healthy. His peak years have seen him perform at an All-NBA level, including winning MVP in 2023.
Embiid has partnered with Simmons, Harden, and George throughout his career. While Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are emerging as the two young stars in the 76ers’ backcourt, Embiid has consistently played alongside established talent.
NBA insider Kevin O’Connor revealed insight into what Philadelphia attempted ahead of this season’s trade deadline. Citing sources, he said 76ers general manager Daryl Morey attempted to pursue seven-time All-Star Kawhi Leonard.
“Executives have said that the Sixers were actively making calls pre-deadline, though nothing seemed remotely close. Some sources suggest that Morey was star hunting with Kawhi Leonard being a name that was connected to Philly. But nothing happened,” O’Connor wrote.
“So Embiid, Maxey, and the team saw McCain get dealt, the tax get ducked, and no pieces brought in to help.”
Daryl Morey was reportedly looking to add Kawhi Leonard to the Sixers at the deadline, per @KevinOConnor
“Executives have said that the Sixers were actively making calls pre-deadline, though nothing seemed remotely close. Some sources suggest that Morey was star hunting with… pic.twitter.com/bKRNkNOW54
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 4, 2026
A potential Embiid-Leonard pairing would have been intriguing, but it also would have required significant changes that could have drastically altered the franchise’s direction. Considering the recent injury history of both stars, as well as the suspension of George, Leonard’s former Clippers teammate, it would have been a considerable risk.
Embiid is in his 12th season with the 76ers and has made progress in staying on the court. Through 33 appearances, he is averaging 26.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. He is shooting 49.5% from the field, 31.8% from beyond the arc, and 85.8% from the free-throw line.
Philadelphia holds a 33-28 record this season, sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. The 76ers are 0.5 games ahead of the Orlando Magic and Miami Heat, while trailing the Toronto Raptors by two games and the Cleveland Cavaliers by five.
The 76ers are at home before a brief two-game road trip. Following their matchup against the Utah Jazz on March 4, they face the Atlanta Hawks on March 7 at 6 p.m. ET and the Cavaliers on March 9 at 7 p.m. ET.
