NBA Legend Calls for 76ers to Trade Joel Embiid

Paul Pierce says it's 'time to rebuild' in Philadelphia around Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe

Apr. 12, 2026 at 1:07am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game or match, with sharp geometric shapes in deep red, navy blue, and gold overlapping to create a dynamic, deconstructed visual representation of the sport.An NBA legend's bold call for the 76ers to trade their star player and rebuild around younger talent exposes the franchise's ongoing struggles.Boston Today

NBA legend Paul Pierce made a bold claim that the Philadelphia 76ers must trade former MVP Joel Embiid this offseason for any chance of real success moving forward. Pierce believes Embiid's injury history and massive contract make him a liability, and that the 76ers should instead build around younger stars Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.

Why it matters

Embiid is considered the 76ers' franchise player, but his frequent injuries and massive contract have become a major burden on the team. Pierce's comments highlight the growing frustration with Embiid's inability to stay healthy and lead the 76ers to playoff success.

The details

Pierce revealed why he thinks the franchise will never be successful until they move on from Embiid: 'Need Joel Embiid to be moving (to his next team). It's time to rebuild in Philly; it's time to build around [Tyrese] Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, you know what I'm saying? It's time for the Big Fella to move out West; he needs some sunshine on that knee. I'm done trusting the process; 10 years trying to trust the process. Trust the process is over.' However, trading Embiid will be extremely difficult due to the remaining years and massive salary on his contract.

  • Embiid was recently ruled out for the next few weeks after having an appendectomy surgery.
  • Embiid has not played over 40 games in a single season since his MVP season back in 2023.

The players

Paul Pierce

A former NBA superstar who made the bold claim that the 76ers must trade Joel Embiid.

Joel Embiid

The 76ers' star center and former MVP who has struggled with injuries throughout his career.

Tyrese Maxey

A young guard who the 76ers have been able to develop as a star of the future.

VJ Edgecombe

Another young guard that the 76ers have been building around alongside Maxey.

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What they’re saying

“'Need Joel Embiid to be moving (to his next team). It's time to rebuild in Philly; it's time to build around [Tyrese] Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, you know what I'm saying? It's time for the Big Fella to move out West; he needs some sunshine on that knee. I'm done trusting the process; 10 years trying to trust the process. Trust the process is over.'”

— Paul Pierce, NBA Legend

What’s next

The 76ers will have to weigh the pros and cons of keeping Embiid or trying to trade him this offseason, as his massive contract and injury history make him a difficult asset to move.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing frustration with Joel Embiid's inability to stay healthy and lead the 76ers to playoff success, with NBA legend Paul Pierce calling for the team to trade the star center and rebuild around younger players like Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.