As the post-mortem of the Philadelphia 76ers’ season continues following their sweep by the New York Knicks, the future of Joel Embiid has come into focus. One former NBA champion believes it’s time for the 76ers to part ways with the 2023 MVP.
Kendrick Perkins Calls for the 76ers to Part Ways with Joel Embiid
Kendrick Perkins has never been shy about expressing his takes, and the 2008 NBA champion has now made his latest bold call, saying that it is time for the 76ers and Embiid to go their separate ways.
Perkins’ comments come after another injury-riddled season in which Embiid played only 38 regular-season games. He came up with some clutch performances in the playoffs, including scoring 34 points in Game 7 against the Boston Celtics.
But he wasn’t as effective against the Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
According to Perkins, everyone on the 76ers roster should be on the chopping block, except for guards VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey and head coach Nick Nurse.
“I would like to see them blow it up. The only three people that are untouchable in Philly are Nick Nurse, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe. Everybody else should be on the chopping block, and that’s including Daryl Morey and Joel Embiid,” Perkins asserted.
.@KendrickPerkins thinks it’s time for Joel Embiid and the 76ers to part ways 👀 pic.twitter.com/AilrZiIdI0
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 11, 2026
The former Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder center added that a new environment and fresh start could also be good for Embiid.
“I feel like Embiid has worn out his welcome. He’s given everything that he possibly can to this franchise. But if someone shows you who they are, you have to believe them. And I believe that he’s not one of those cornerstone guys that’s going to eventually lead them to the NBA Championship. I also believe that it is time for Embiid to get a fresh start, a new organization,” he added.
Embiid has spent his entire NBA career with the 76ers, embracing the “process” early on before leading the team’s resurgence with dominant performances.
The 32-year-old has accomplished several accolades during his time with the 76ers. Embiid led the NBA in scoring in 2021–22 and 2022–23 and was named the league’s MVP in 2023.
The seven-time NBA All-Star is under contract with the 76ers until the end of the 2028–29 season and is expected to earn nearly $58 million next season.
His age, contract, and injury history make trading Embiid unlikely to be easy for the 76ers.
