Joel Embiid is optimistic about the Philadelphia 76ers’ chances of winning a championship in 2026. With the trade deadline approaching on February 5, he shared clear advice for the team’s management.
After the 76ers’ 113-111 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Thursday, Embiid emphasized the importance of maintaining the current team for the season.
“In the past, we’ve been avoiding the tax, so I hope we consider improving the team at the deadline because we have a chance,” Embiid said, according to Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports. “I just want to compete with this good group of guys in the locker room; the vibes are great.”
The “tax” Embiid mentioned refers to the NBA luxury tax that penalizes teams for exceeding a specific payroll limit. For the 2025-26 season, this limit is $187.895 million, and the 76ers are currently $7.1 million over the mark with less than a week until the deadline. If the team does not make changes, they will incur approximately $7.5 million in taxes for being over the threshold.
In recent seasons, the 76ers have aimed to lower their payroll at the trade deadline. Daryl Morey, the team’s president of basketball operations, will need to offload some contracts to get under the threshold. However, Embiid believes that this should not be the only focus for the team at the deadline.
Joel Embiid believes in this 76ers team