Joel Embiid Says He Wants to Reward 76ers Fans' Trust, Play Entire Career in PHI

Despite trade rumors that swirled after the Philadelphia 76ers were bounced from last year's playoffs in the first round, Joel Embiid says he plans to call South Broad Street home for the rest of his playing days.

"I just want to play for one city for the rest of my career, and this is where I want to be," Embiid told reporters Friday, adding, "I want to just reward the fans for the trust that they've had in this process."

The center pointed to the support the city showed him after the death of his brother, Arthur, and through two injury-plagued seasons as the foundation for the trust between himself and Sixers fans.

It's not the first time Embiid has announced his intent to remain a Sixer, but the sentiment keeps getting stronger.

After the Boston Celtics swept the Sixers in August, Embiid said: "I don't make the decisions. I'm here in Philly. Whatever happens, happens. I've always said that I want to end my career [in Philadelphia], and if it happens, good. If it doesn't happen, well, you move on and all that stuff."

Even in 2017, after he'd played just 35 games in the league, Embiid stated his intentions to play with one team for his entire career.

"I want to be Kobe Bryant," he said. "I want to be Tim Duncan. I want to be Dirk Nowitzki.”

It's rare to see players stay with one franchise in the modern NBA, but loyalty has always been a valued trait with Embiid.

That may explain why he feels he owes Philadelphia a title run after the city supported him through tough times. With new president Daryl Morey and head coach Doc Rivers in place, the next attempt to win a championship with the Sixers has begun in earnest.

That effort won't include fielding offers for Embiid or guard Ben Simmons.

"We've got to get rid of that noise," Morey told 97.5 The Fanatic after the NBA draft in November. "We love Ben and Joel. I think Sam Hinkie said it when he came out of his groundhog hole, that fans went through the process for those two players. Why would we try and ship them out? Doc and I are here for a reason."

So is Embiid. And he doesn't plan on leaving.