Overview

• Joel Embiid remains without a firm return timetable as he rehabs from April knee surgery, raising questions about his availability for the 2025-26 campaign.
• Tyrese Maxey has publicly outlined health plus roster continuity as the foundational pillars for any playoff push in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
• Front office discussions have ramped up around blockbuster proposals for moving Embiid, including a leading Nets package offering Nicolas Claxton, Cam Thomas and multiple future first-round picks.
• Analysts have called for the Sixers to pursue a backup center such as Nikola Vucevic to reduce Embiid’s minutes and safeguard his long-term durability.
• General manager Daryl Morey is under heightened scrutiny for last offseason’s Paul George and Embiid extensions as he weighs whether to stand pat or pivot the roster.