For 76ers fans, the trade deadline has come and gone, and nothing happened. There is a difference between standing pat from a position of strength, and then there is standing pat because you don't know what to do. However, 76ers fans continue to turn to major social media outlets to voice their frustration because they fear that franchise center Joel Embiid's prime and dominance are coming to a close.
Since being drafted in Philadelphia in 2014, Embiid has had more than his fair share of injuries, including this season. However, criticize Joel all you want, but the guy is doing everything he can these days to stay on top of both his physical and mental well-being. He has even been the ultimate teammate, allowing Tyrese Maxey to take over on the court and sharing the ball.
However, while Maxey and Embiid are among the best talent in the league, the lack of overall talent is noticeable for the 2025-2026 76ers. The Sixers have been winning basketball games this year, but their record is 30-22. However, the Atlantic Division is extremely tight, and the 76ers are currently in fourth place in that division.
The lack of trade deadline moves has been common for the 76ers, which spurs the same argument among the Philly faithful. With a super competitive Atlantic Division, the 76ers aren't even assured of a top playoff spot. Embiid has put forth some dominant playoff performances. However, the 76ers, according to BT10 NZ, haven't made the Eastern Conference Finals since 2001, when MVP Allen Iverson carried the franchise to the NBA Finals. However, the 76ers lost to Shaq and the Lakers in five games.
Part of the reason the 76ers might have remained patient at the trade deadline is the luxury tax. However, if the 76ers are going to get over the hump, Embiid is going to need all the help he can get, which means the top brass will need to open the checkbook. At the very least, 76ers fans would love for Embiid to become more vocal in upgrading the talent and for management to listen to him. Philadelphia hasn't won a championship since the 1982-83 season when the late Moses Malone came over from a trade from the Houston Rockets.
