Daryl Morey Applauds Joel Embiid's Loyalty Amid Offseason Drama

For the second time in three years, the Philadelphia 76ers found themselves in the middle of offseason drama. First, it was Ben Simmons, followed by James Harden after just one full season with the team.

This offseason, Harden had a decision to make regarding his future. He could take his player option for this season or become an unrestricted free agent a year early. The All-Star guard accepted his option and then immediately requested a trade to the LA Clippers.

Harden took multiple shots at Daryl Morey publicly, which led to the situation getting ugly. It all came to an end during the first week of the regular season when the Sixers and Clippers worked out a trade.

As all this was going on, many wondered what it would mean for the team's other star. Following another second-round exit and his running mate wanting out, Joel Embiid's name began circling in trade rumors.

Despite what others around the league thought of Embiid, the Sixers star remained loyal to the franchise. During his press conference earlier this week, Morey applauded Embiid for continuing to remain focused on the franchise through messy off-the-court incidents.

“It was really frustrating this summer. Obviously, we were taking our lumps for various reasons in the media, but Joel has been one hundred percent Sixers, one hundred percent Philly, and one hundred percent winning the championship here in every meeting," Morey said. "Joel didn’t get frustrated because it was whatever for him. I think he just knows what he knows. For me, it was frustrating that it came up, and it was like rivals trying to create this noise, and it was frustrating. He's never wavered on his commitment to this city and winning here.”

Looking at how things have played out, Embiid has been rewarded for his patience with the organization. He and Tyrese Maxey continue to play like one of the top duos in the league, and the roster is deeper than ever. Along with having a roster worthy of contending now, the front office has great financial flexibility moving forward to continue improving the cast of players around him.

Since coming to Philly, Embiid has said on numerous occasions he wants to bring a championship home to the city. Judging by his play through the first quarter of this season, he remains incredibly focused on achieving that goal.