NBA Rumors: Teams are Keeping Tabs on 76ers Star Joel Embiid

Since joining the Philadelphia 76ers, Joel Embiid has been nothing but loyal to the franchise. He's stated on multiple occasions that his biggest goal is to deliver the franchise it's first championship in 40 years. Despite this, teams around the league are still reportedly keeping their eyes peeled for a "what if" scenario.

Following the trade deadline, Howard Beck of The Ringer touched on possible storylines to follow heading into the summer. He brought up that rivals are keeping tabs on Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo even though it's highly unlikely for either star to ask out.

"Both franchises feature recent MVPs and a recent history of postseason flops. No one expects Giannis Antetokounmpo or Joel Embiid to ask out, even if things go badly again this spring, but rivals are keeping an eye on both, anyway (and on Lillard)," Beck wrote.

Before suffering a knee injury against the Warriors, Embiid was in the midst of another MVP-level season. On top of that, the Sixers looked like a legitimate contender following the James Harden trade.

Given the current state of the franchise, it's unlikely Embiid demands a trade in the near future. He has a new running mate in Tyrese Maxey who continues to develop at a rapid pace. Also, Daryl Morey continues to surround the star big man with pieces that best complement his game.

This summer, Morey will have even more ability to bolster the cast of players around Embiid. The Sixers are going to have a sizable amount of cap space, and draft capital to execute more trades. With the roster being tailor-made for his needs, Embiid has no reason to be in a rush to look for a change of scenery.

Looking at his contract, Embiid is in the first year of a four-year contract he signed in the summer of 2021. He is signed through the 2026 season, and has a player option for 2027.