Dwyane Wade recently appeared on the Conversations With Cam Podcast. It was an illuminating discussion about his basketball career and mental health journey.
In the final segment, one of the subjects covered was LeBron James taking his talents to Philadelphia. Boston Celtics president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, recently addressed that topic as well. As Wade shared his thoughts, he said he believes there's more to the move and another shoe to drop.
When a close friend of James shares that kind of outlook, even if it's just personal speculation, it naturally directs the spotlight onto Joel Embiid.
Will the Sixers trade Joel Embiid for Anthony Davis?
That's where this author's mind went upon hearing Wade's comments. James won a championship with Davis. Yes, Embiid was with the four-time MVP as Team USA won gold in Paris. However, he's closer to his former running mate with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Rather than trying to make it work with Embiid, James might trust his proven partnership with Davis more. The 76ers would have to sweeten their offer to get the Washington Wizards to agree to this swap. However, it might only cost them second-round draft capital.
So, if the Sixers' franchise center and the embodiment of "The Process" struggles to stay healthy or doesn't mesh with his new star teammate, then it could spell the end of his time in the City of Brotherly Love.
LeBron James pressuring Joel Embiid is for the best
The latter doesn't need to hear Wade's comments to understand what's at stake here. His tenure in Philadelphia, the place he has called home for a decade, is in serious jeopardy if this doesn't go well. This might also be the seven-time All-Star's last real chance at a championship.
Embiid appears to be healthy and in great shape entering the 2026-27 campaign. As the Celtics saw in the first round of the playoffs last year, he can still make a sizeable impact.
James has lit the rope underneath him. If that gets the most out of Embiid, he could help carry the 76ers to the NBA's mountaintop. And given the concerns about his durability and James's age, they might only have one chance at the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Even if this season goes well and they run it back in hopes of finishing the job, it will only get harder.
It's now or never for the Celtics' rival. Both James and Embiid know that. The question is whether the latter can answer the bell. If not, LeGM could have the former MVP dealt for Davis, with Wade's remarks proving prophetic.
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