Woj: 76ers set to be buyers at the trade deadline with Joel Embiid’s extended absence

It’s no secret that the 76ers, as constructed, are completely screwed without Joel Embiid this season. Most fans are ready to toss the season in the bin and let Jojo rest. But the front office apparently has other plans.

Per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the 76ers are looking to buy at the deadline to stay competitive until Embiid returns:

Woj says the Sixers are looking to be buyers for this trade deadline with Embiid out for an extended period of time pic.twitter.com/Kskjj3TbBk

— Oh no he didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 6, 2024

Honestly, this is just an awful idea. I get Joel Embiid may return to the lineup with a week left in the regular season, but I sincerely doubt he’ll be 100% heading into the playoffs.

This is Embiid’s first extended absence since 2018 when he missed a total of 10 straight games. Every year since he’s battled through nagging injuries without any extra time to fully recover.

Even if the 76ers acquire an actual difference-maker like DeMar DeRozan, all that will do is maybe keep them out of the Play-In. If the team wants to actually make noise in the playoffs, they’re not going to do it with a rusty Embiid coming off knee surgery.

The worst part is that the organization would be setting Joel up to fail. If he doesn’t come back and instantly dominate, it’d be yet another legacy-tarnishing playoff run for the big man.

The 76ers got themselves into this mess by letting Embiid suit up against the Warriors and even had a chance to right the wrong when he went back to the locker room midgame. Unfortunately, the Sixers are the worst-run organization in Philadelphia, so they’re reaping what they sowed here.

I’m all for adding a piece, it’s not like I want the team to sell at the deadline and acquire draft capital. Draft picks don’t win championships in a year or two. But I’ll be damned if I sit idly by and watch this team set their talisman up to fail in such a spectacular manner.

Hell, if Embiid comes back and leads the 76ers to a championship, I’ll gladly put my hand up and say I was wrong. But I’ve seen this movie too many times before, and I’m not a fan of the ending.

Gear up in the TLL Shop