76ers center Joel Embiid has previously been bluntly critical of teammate Ben Simmons in an interview: "We've been building teams around his needs, so it's surprising that [he's leaving]. Embiid added. Even looking back, we signed Al (Horford) and drove jimmy (Butler) out – I still think it was a mistake, just to make sure he could get the ball. "
Former NBA player Kendrick Perkins commented on ESPN's show: "Embiid has just officially announced to the world that this 'marriage' is over. Now Embiid means, 'Okay, turn the page.' Since you don't want to play with us, we won't beg you. ’”