DeMarcus Cousins ​​thinks it’s time for the Sixers to trade Joel Embiid

in 2025 Philadelphia 76ers started the season playing well, with 3-0. The keys were Tyrese McKay and VJ Edgecombe in the backfield and no Joel Embiid however much. The 76ers are also missing Paul George due to injury. Embiid has been steady down low for the 76ers, but there could be talk of whether it might be time to move on from Joel Embiid.

It’s not an out-of-the-box idea because as good as Embiid has been, there’s only so much he can do in Philly if they can’t win and keep losing in the postseason before the NBA Finals and Conference Finals. Former NBA player and current analyst DeMarcus Cousins said he thinks it’s fair to ask if the 76ers are better without Embiid. He believes the front office is definitely talking about that possibility.

Cousins ​​said, “I’m pretty sure front office is having conversations about what that looks like, what the possibility is, and whether they should consider closing this door moving forward.”

It’s still very early in the NBA season, but the idea that the 76ers might be better off without the former NBA MVP seems wild on the surface. That might actually be true.

One of Joel Embiid’s most significant concerns is his health. He missed over 400 games during his NBA career due to injuries. Embiid isn’t getting any younger either, and he’s already had injury issues, so those injuries can only get worse with age.

Another big reason why the 76ers could be better without Embiid is the changing styles of play in the NBA. Embiid is the focal point of the offense whenever he’s in the game, and while he’s shown to be dominant at times, he’s slow and can get the ball down low with less offensive movement. That’s all on top of the fact that has a minute limit right now.

Without Embiid, the focus is on Maxey and Edgecombe, and the ball moves much easier and faster. Despite Embiid’s incredible talent, the offense is becoming more dynamic and better suited for today’s NBA.

Through two games, Embiid is averaging 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, one steal and 0.5 blocks per game on 40% field goal percentage. The idea of ​​trading Embiid isn’t imminent, but it could continue to grow as an idea, depending on how the 76ers’ season goes.