- Yeah, it’s hard to see Embiid landing in Indiana. The Pacers have a promising young core built around Tyrese Haliburton, but their roster isn’t exactly structured to take on a player with Embiid’s contract and injury history. Plus, Philly would demand a massive return for a reigning MVP-caliber player, and Indiana might not be willing to gut their team or part with key assets to make it happen.
If Embiid ever does get moved, it seems more likely he’d end up in a big-market or championship-ready team—like the Knicks, Heat, or even the Thunder, who have a ton of draft capital to work with. But for now, as long as the Sixers stay competitive, they’re not in a rush to deal him.
Joel Embiid ‘would rather retire’ than join the Pacers
That’s a brutal rejection for Pacers fans, even if it was said in a joking manner. Embiid has never really been linked to Indiana, but his reaction in Court of Gold pretty much confirms that it’s not happening—ever. Even though Haliburton was probably just having some fun, Embiid shutting it down that strongly speaks to how he views smaller markets like Indiana.
It’s not surprising, though. A player of Embiid’s stature is more likely to stick with a major-market team or land somewhere with a bigger national profile. If he ever forces his way out of Philly, he’ll probably look at places like New York, Miami, or maybe even a Western Conference contender. Indiana has a strong young core, but they’ve historically struggled to attract superstar talent, and Embiid’s comments don’t help that perception.
Yeah, that joke didn’t exactly stand the test of time. Embiid may have dismissed Indiana outright, but right now, the Pacers are in a much better spot than the 76ers. They’ve built an exciting, fast-paced team around Haliburton, and adding Pascal Siakam only made them more dangerous. Meanwhile, Philly has completely fallen apart without Embiid, and his recurring injury issues are once again a major concern.
If anything, this situation proves that stability and roster construction matter just as much as star power. The Pacers have a clear direction, a deep roster, and momentum. The 76ers, on the other hand, are a mess without Embiid and could be facing a major shake-up soon. If Philly flames out this season, Embiid might have to rethink which teams he considers beneath him—because right now, Indiana is looking like the far better franchise.
Exactly. At the time, Embiid probably thought the Sixers would remain contenders while the Pacers were still a step below the elite teams in the East. Now, the reality is completely different. The Pacers are built for sustained success with Haliburton, Siakam, and a deep supporting cast, while the 76ers are stuck in limbo with an aging, injury-prone superstar and an uncertain future.
Embiid’s comment was all in good fun, but given how things have played out, Indiana looks like the team with a real championship window—something Philly might not have anymore. If anything, it just shows how quickly things can change in the NBA. A year ago, no one would have predicted the Pacers being in a better spot than the Sixers, but here we are.
