4 Superstar Replacements For Joel Embiid Amid Retirement Speculation

4 Superstar Replacements For Joel Embiid Amid Retirement Speculation originally appeared on Fadeaway World.

Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid has been one of the premier big men in the game over the last few years. Although injuries have sidelined him for much of his career, Embiid remains a crucial part of Philadelphia's long-term plans.

The level of importance the 76ers have placed on Embiid, while inspiring, could also become a concern. A recent speculation by Sixers insider Keith Pompey suggested that Embiid may be nearing the end of his NBA career.

Given how much the franchise has invested in him, should Embiid choose to retire at this stage, the team would be left heavily shorthanded, effectively sending them into a rebuild.

But this may not be the worst thing for the franchise. Given the superstar's long periods of absence, Philadelphia may view this as an opportunity to pursue a more reliable franchise player. Should they succeed in stretching his contract over time, the 76ers would also be able to free up the necessary cap space to do so.

While trades may not be the most feasible route following a retirement, we explore key free-agent targets Philadelphia could pursue. With the 2027 free agency window emerging as one of the most stacked pools of talent, we explore four superstars the 76ers could target in this period.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

One of the biggest names in the 2027 free agency market will be Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Although the forward has virtually no links with the 76ers organization, Embiid's potential retirement could present an ideal situation for both parties to consider.

Antetokounmpo made headlines earlier this offseason by expressing a willingness to entertain a trade. While several teams emerged as suitors, no deal went through.

While there is growing confidence within Milwaukee that he won't leave the team any time soon, Antetokounmpo could view the 2027 free agency period favorably.

At 30 years old, he remains one of the league’s premier players. Last season, the Bucks superstar recorded an average of 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. His dominance, versatility, and durability make him one of the most reliable superstars in the game.

With an outlook of winning championships, Antetokounmpo could potentially consider a move to Philadelphia should Embiid retire. Given that he doesn't intend to accept an extension before he enters free agency, the 76ers could attempt to sign him.

Nikola Jokic

Seeing Nikola Jokic on any team other than the Denver Nuggets would be an odd sight, but the 2027 free agency class presents a window of opportunity that cannot be overlooked.

The possibility of Jokic leaving the Nuggets has become quite plausible this offseason. With the big man rejecting the franchise's recent extension offer, the Nuggets saw the emergence of some rumblings about a potential exit.

While Jokic's decision may have been rooted in future financial gain, concerns expressed by Nuggets ownership appear to fan the flame to some extent.

Acquiring a superstar and champion like Jokic could alter the direction of the franchise completely. Last season, the Serbian recorded an average of 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game. 

When considering the roster the 76ers could have in the future, should they retain their core of Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain, along with additional factors such as VJ Edgecomb's development, a player like Jokic could bring the most out of all of them.

Karl-Anthony Towns

Karl-Anthony Towns, much like most superstars heading into the 2027 free agency period, will have a player option in their contract. If Towns declines it and enters free agency, Philadelphia could emerge as a suitor.

As things stand, the 29-year-old big man is in a solid place with the New York Knicks. Although he faced a lot of criticism for his shortcomings in the postseason, Towns remains one of their most valuable assets.

Towns has proven himself to be a legitimate offensive threat. With his ability to create scoring opportunities at three levels, the big man also displayed flashes of skillful playmaking in the playoffs.

In the event of Embiid's retirement, the 76ers would need a versatile big man to share the responsibilities of carrying the offensive load with Maxey. Towns' averages of 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds showcase his capability to take on such a task.

Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks ahead of the 2025 deadline. In a shocking move that effectively changed the landscape of the NBA, Davis found himself becoming the number one option on a new team. 

Although injuries hindered his performance, the 32-year-old remained productive on the court. Last season, he averaged 24.7 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game.

Widely regarded as one of the most versatile two-way big men in the game, Davis is a bona fide superstar. Given the extent of Philadelphia's requirements from a star-caliber player, the Mavs' big man could be an ideal signing in free agency.

Davis also has a sizeable $62.7 million player option in the summer of 2027, which he’s likely to opt into, especially considering how intriguing the Mavericks' future looks. 

Cooper Flagg's development into a superstar is the primary storyline driving this narrative. Although this is exciting, should the Mavs come up short in their endeavors, Davis could consider testing free agency.

While the 76ers could use a player like Davis to be the face of the franchise, the big man may be just as injury-prone as Embiid, if not more. If consistency is to be prioritized, the 10-time All-Star may not be the ideal pick.

Embiid's Return May Be Delayed

Joel Embiid suffered a knee injury that required surgery last season. Following surgery, the big man is now in recovery. In a recent interview, the 76ers superstar proposed that he would be taking his time with his return instead of rushing it. 

This approach is aimed at helping him return in peak condition while minimizing the risk of future injuries. But the consequences of this could be devastating for the franchise.

With Paul George also recovering from recent knee surgery, there’s a real possibility the 76ers begin the new season without their star duo. 

Related: Joel Embiid's Playoff Resume Has Plenty Of First And Second Round Exits

This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.