The Philadelphia 76ers might consider dealing superstar Joel Embiid as a last resort should his troubling off-court behavior persist.

Over the weekend, Embiid and Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes got into a verbal spat that allegedly turned physical. On the heels of the 76ers’ 124-107 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, the 30-year-old exchanged words with the reporter before allegedly pushing his shoulder – prompting the team’s public relations chief to intervene.

Following the incident, the NBA announced on Tuesday that Embiid would be suspended for three games without pay. “Mutual respect is paramount to the relationship between players and media in the NBA,” said Joe Dumars, the NBA’s executive vice president of basketball operations.

“While we understand Joel was offended by the personal nature of the original version of the reporter’s column, interactions must remain professional on both sides and can never turn physical.”

Yet following the punishment, one insider claimed that Embiid has shown little remorse for his actions – adding that he’d likely do it again if given the opportunity. “Joel has zero remorse over this incident and would do it again and again and again,” the source told DailyMail. “Being suspended is fine with him, he was empowered to do it because he was so upset and still upset about it.”

If Embiid continues to behave in a way that hinders the 76ers, the source added, Philadelphia may have no other choice but to part ways with him. The source added: “Team officials have made it clear; they don’t want this to ever happen again… if he continues to do detrimental things then the franchise might have to consider trading him.

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Joel Embiid was issued a three-game suspension for shoving a reporter over the weekend

Joel Embiid was issued a three-game suspension for shoving a reporter over the weekend ( 

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“Trading him would be the last case scenario and pretty much impossible since when he is healthy, he is one of the best in the NBA… but it would be considered if he continues to be a nuisance.”

It’s claimed Embiid confronted Hayes in the locker room after finding issue with a column in which the reporter referenced the star big man’s son and late brother while criticizing his professionalism. The article in question was later edited to remove references to Embiid’s son and late brother, with Hayes apologizing before the altercation took place.

“So, I rewrote the lede to my column and replaced the picture,” Hayes wrote on X on October 23. “I can see why so many people were upset about it. Sorry about that. Thanks for all of the constructive criticism.”

In their altercation, Embiid allegedly said to Hayes: “The next time you bring up my dead brother and my son again, you are going to see what I’m going to do to you and I’m going to have to… live with the consequences.”

Embiid then added that he doesn’t care what reporters say. Once Hayes replied, “But you do,” the player allegedly became enraged and pushed him. After a team representative asked members of the media to not report on the brief scuffle, the player reportedly clapped back: “They can do whatever they want, I don’t give a —-.”