Joel Embiid to Miami Heat? Reigning MVP once FLIRTED with idea of teaming up with Jimmy Butler in South Beach

Joel Embiid once hinted at a possible reunion with Butler in Miami.

Joel Embiid to Miami Heat? Reigning MVP once FLIRTED with idea of teaming up with Jimmy Butler in South Beach

L- Joel Embiid, R- Jimmy Butler (Image via user generated content)

Joel Embiid had recently sparked discussions around the front offices of NBA teams. The reigning NBA MVP hinted that he is ready to leave Philadelphia to chase an NBA championship.

The 76ers‘ big man was present at the Uninterrupted Sports Film Festival in the city of Los Angeles. There, he made it clear that Philadelphia might not be his permanent home if the team continues to fail in the Playoffs.

YouTube video

The video clip of Embiid’s interview with Maverick Carter quickly gained traction on the internet. However, the result was not much of a surprise as Embiid was not trying to be discreet in his delivery.

FS Video

Embiid said, “I don’t know where that’s gonna be, whether that’s in Philly or anywhere else. I just wanna have a chance to accomplish.” He added, “I wanna see what it feels like to win that first one (NBA Championship) and then you can think about the next one.” Following the interview, it has been speculated that the Miami Heat might pursue the MVP if trade talks for Damian Lillard fell through.

Joel Embiid and the 76ers have failed to get over the hump of making it out of the Conference Finals. The closest Philadelphia were at a title shot ended in a Kawhi Leonard‘s dagger in a Game 7. Philly have also continuously lost to the Boston Celtics in consecutive years. The team was also eliminated this year following a 50-point game from Jayson Tatum.

It is understandable for the MVP to want out of Philadelphia with James Harden attempting to leave the organization following Doc Rivers‘ departure. It was another disappointing year for the 7-foot center, as he is still one of the best players in the league. He closed out the season averaging 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per contest.

Related: Kendrick Perkins proposes Joel Embiid’s “unstoppable” PAIR UP with All-star PG in Philly

Jimmy Butler had once invited Joel Embiid to join Miami Heat

Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid for the Philadelphia 76ers (Image via Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

The partnership between Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler saw the highest success during “The Process” era. The team with Butler on the team made it as far as the Eastern Conference Semi-finals.

The team, however, let go of Butler due to contract complications, choosing to pay Tobias Harris instead of keeping Jimmy Butler. After Butler’s departure, Sixers failed to make it out of the second round while Butler took Miami to two NBA finals.

Back in 2020, Joel Embiid sent out a cryptic message on his Instagram caption quoting a line Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” Butler then commented on the post, inviting the big man to join the Heat.

Although Embiid never went to the Miami Heat, he did reply to Butler “Damn right my brother”, hinting at a possible reunion of the two. Recently, trade rumors have intensified between Miami and the reigning MVP as Embiid is reportedly unhappy with the 76ers’ front office.

The Miami Heat are fully focused on attaining Lillard on the team, but trade talks seemed to fall out. Heat will have to give up Bam Adebayo for an Embiid trade, a decision Pat Riley would make in a heartbeat if Lillard is out of sight.

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