Woj: 76ers Will 'Be Buyers' at NBA Trade Deadline Despite Joel Embiid's Knee Injury

The Philadelphia 76ers still plan to "be buyers" before the Feb. 8 trade deadline even though reigning MVP Joel Embiid will be out for an undetermined period after undergoing a left meniscus procedure.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported the latest on NBA Today.

"The 76ers are very much weighing the possibility that Joel Embiid does return this season, that they can still play with him as their centerpiece, and because of that they're going to continue to be buyers at this trade deadline. And I think they're trying to improve themselves on multiple fronts," Wojnarowski said in part.

He then discussed the team's desire for a backup center to help carry them in the short term.

Embiid underwent the procedure on Tuesday morning and will be reevaluated in approximately four weeks, the team announced.

On Monday, Jan. 22, Embiid dropped a career-high 70 points in a 133-123 win over the San Antonio Spurs, pushing the team to 29-13 in the process.

It's been all downhill for the 76ers ever since. Philadelphia has gone 1-6 in its last seven games (1-4 without Embiid) to fall to 30-19.

The 76ers are still well-positioned to make the playoffs at fifth place in the Eastern Conference. But playing without Embiid has naturally been a challenge for the team.

Embiid has averaged an NBA-high 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. His 34.3 player efficiency rating is also No. 1 in the league.

That type of production is impossible to replace. Philadelphia is notably 26-8 with Embiid but just 4-11 without him. Simply put, the 76ers aren't close to a championship contender without him.

Still, if the 76ers believe they can get Embiid back before the end of the season, then searching for reinforcements at the trade deadline is a prudent move. We'll soon find out what Philadelphia accomplishes with the trade deadline now just two days away.