Embiid Would Trade MVP for Healthy Postseason Run

76ers star says he'd give up individual award for team success

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid recently revealed that he would trade his 2022-23 NBA MVP award if it meant he could have a healthy postseason run with his team. Embiid has struggled with injuries throughout his career, and the 76ers missed the playoffs entirely last season due to his health issues.

Why it matters

Embiid's comments highlight the challenges star players face in balancing individual accolades and team success. As one of the league's premier big men, Embiid's health is crucial to the 76ers' championship aspirations, and his willingness to sacrifice personal glory for a deep playoff run shows his commitment to the team.

The details

In a recent interview, Embiid told NBA trainer Drew Hanlen that he "would honestly trade this MVP just for one healthy postseason run." The 76ers' star has frequently been limited by injuries, including a knee issue that has kept him out of recent games. Last season, the 76ers missed the playoffs entirely due to Embiid's health problems, and the year prior, they were eliminated in the first round with Embiid clearly not at full strength.

  • Embiid made the comments in a recent interview with NBA trainer Drew Hanlen.
  • The 76ers are currently preparing for the stretch run of the 2026-27 NBA season, which begins on Thursday, February 19, 2026 against the Atlanta Hawks.

The players

Joel Embiid

The star center of the Philadelphia 76ers, who won the NBA MVP award in the 2022-23 season. Embiid has struggled with injuries throughout his career, which has limited the 76ers' postseason success.

Tyrese Maxey

The young guard who has emerged as the face of the 76ers franchise, taking on a larger role as Embiid has dealt with health issues.

Paul George

The Los Angeles Clippers star who is currently serving a league suspension, further complicating the 76ers' playoff hopes in the short term.

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What they’re saying

“I would honestly trade this MVP just for one healthy postseason run.”

— Joel Embiid (Legion Hoops and Sideline Sources)

What’s next

The 76ers are hoping to have Embiid and the rest of their roster healthy and ready to go by the time the playoffs begin. The team's success will largely depend on Embiid's ability to stay on the court and lead the team deep into the postseason.

The takeaway

Embiid's comments underscore the difficult balance star players must strike between individual accolades and team success. For the 76ers to reach their championship aspirations, Embiid's health will be the key factor, and his willingness to sacrifice personal glory for a deep playoff run shows his commitment to the team's ultimate goal.