ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins suggested the Phoenix Suns as a potential future destination for Joel Embiid. He believes it's time for Embiid and the 76ers to part ways.
Key points
Kendrick Perkins suggested the Phoenix Suns for Joel Embiid
Channing Frye co-signed the idea on the podcast
Perkins believes it's time for Embiid and the 76ers to part ways
âIf youâre the Phoenix Suns, would you think about getting Joel Embiid?â Perkins asked.
Host Allie Clifton first responded with a âyesâ that led to former NBA player Channing Frye, who also does work for ESPN, co-sign the idea.
âDamn,â a smiling Frye said. âYeah. I would. I would.â
Perkins contends itâs time for the 76ers and the 32-year-old Embiid to part ways and that Phoenix may be the place for him to continue his career.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes around Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) during Game 2 of the first round NBA playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Oklahoma City won 120-107.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks yells out to the referees as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
Q&A
Why did Kendrick Perkins suggest the Phoenix Suns for Joel Embiid?
Kendrick Perkins suggested the Suns as a future destination for Joel Embiid because he believes it's time for Embiid and the 76ers to part ways.
What did Channing Frye say about Joel Embiid joining the Suns?
Channing Frye agreed with Perkins, expressing enthusiasm about the idea of Joel Embiid joining the Phoenix Suns.
What is Joel Embiid's current team?
Joel Embiid currently plays for the Philadelphia 76ers.
What are the implications of Joel Embiid leaving the 76ers?
If Joel Embiid leaves the 76ers, it could significantly impact the team's performance and future strategy in the NBA.
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Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Phoenix Suns forward (3) Dillon Brooks reacts after being called for a foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 4 of their playoff series at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) walks off the floor after their 131-122 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder closing out the playoff series at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) plays for the rebound against Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, on April 10, 2026.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) is introduced before their game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Mortgage Matchup Center on Nov. 10, 2025.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (left) watches the action against the Los Angeles Lakers at Mortgage Matchup Center on Feb. 26, 2026, in Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) slam-dunks the ball against the Sacramento Kings in the first half at the Mortgage Matchup Center on Oct. 22, 2025, in Phoenix.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on Jan. 7, 2026, in Memphis.
Phoenix Suns assistant coach DeMarre Carroll (left) and forward Dillon Brooks (3) prepare for the game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on Oct. 27, 2025.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts after scoring against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center in Miami, on Jan. 13, 2026.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) and Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) battle for a loose ball in the first half at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, on Oct. 24, 2025.
Brooklyn Nets' Zeng Fanbo, Phoenix Suns' Dillon Brooks and Devin Booker react at Venetian Arena in Macau, China, on Oct. 10, 2025.
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) is fouled by Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on Nov. 29, 2025.
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Dillon Brooks (3) looks to pass the ball back inbounds against New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Saddiq Bey (41) during the first half at Smoothie King Center on Dec 27, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1), forward Dillon Brooks (3) and guard Jalen Green (4) pose for portrait during Media Day at PHX Arena on Sept. 24, 2025.
Suns guard Dillon Brooks (3) complains to an official during a game against the Pistons at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Jan. 29, 2026.
Phoenix Suns teammates Devin Booker, left, and Dillon Brooks chat on the sidelines during their game against the Miami Heat at Mortgage Matchup Center on Jan. 25, 2026.
Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after a three-point shot against the New York Knicks during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on Jan. 9, 2026 in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Knicks 112-107.
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Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes around Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) during Game 2 of the first round NBA playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Oklahoma City won 120-107.
1 / 20
Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes around Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) during Game 2 of the first round NBA playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns in Oklahoma City, Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Oklahoma City won 120-107.
2 / 20
Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks yells out to the referees as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 4 of their playoff series at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
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Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Apr 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
4 / 20
Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Phoenix Suns forward (3) Dillon Brooks reacts after being called for a foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 4 of their playoff series at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
5 / 20
Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) walks off the floor after their 131-122 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder closing out the playoff series at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 27, 2026.
6 / 20
Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) plays for the rebound against Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, on April 10, 2026.
7 / 20
Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) is introduced before their game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Mortgage Matchup Center on Nov. 10, 2025.
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Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (left) watches the action against the Los Angeles Lakers at Mortgage Matchup Center on Feb. 26, 2026, in Phoenix.
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Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) slam-dunks the ball against the Sacramento Kings in the first half at the Mortgage Matchup Center on Oct. 22, 2025, in Phoenix.
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Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on Jan. 7, 2026, in Memphis.
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Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Phoenix Suns assistant coach DeMarre Carroll (left) and forward Dillon Brooks (3) prepare for the game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center on Oct. 27, 2025.
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Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts after scoring against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center in Miami, on Jan. 13, 2026.
13 / 20
Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) and Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) battle for a loose ball in the first half at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, on Oct. 24, 2025.
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Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Brooklyn Nets' Zeng Fanbo, Phoenix Suns' Dillon Brooks and Devin Booker react at Venetian Arena in Macau, China, on Oct. 10, 2025.
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Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) is fouled by Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, on Nov. 29, 2025.
16 / 20
Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Phoenix Suns guard/forward Dillon Brooks (3) looks to pass the ball back inbounds against New Orleans Pelicans guard/forward Saddiq Bey (41) during the first half at Smoothie King Center on Dec 27, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
17 / 20
Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1), forward Dillon Brooks (3) and guard Jalen Green (4) pose for portrait during Media Day at PHX Arena on Sept. 24, 2025.
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Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Suns guard Dillon Brooks (3) complains to an official during a game against the Pistons at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on Jan. 29, 2026.
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Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Phoenix Suns teammates Devin Booker, left, and Dillon Brooks chat on the sidelines during their game against the Miami Heat at Mortgage Matchup Center on Jan. 25, 2026.
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Dillon Brooks, polarizing Phoenix Suns star, in photos
Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after a three-point shot against the New York Knicks during the first half of the NBA game at Mortgage Matchup Center on Jan. 9, 2026 in Phoenix. The Suns defeated the Knicks 112-107.
âI think itâs best for Joel Embiid to go see what another organization has to offer,â Perkins said. âI think itâs best for Joel Embiid to go witness and see what another medical staff is like. Maybe under somebody else, maybe their medical staff might be better than the 76ersâ medical staff.â
In response, Frye said, âThe Arizona sun will fix you. The heat is good for the bones.â
Playing four seasons with the Suns, Frye starred at Saint Maryâs High in Phoenix and at the University of Arizona.
The Suns began the 2025-26 season with three 7-footers in Mark Williams, Nick Richards and rookie Khaman Maluach. Like Embiid, Williams was injury prone as well in playing just 106 total games in three seasons with the Charlotte Hornets.
Phoenix put Williams on an intentional conditioning plan to build his body up. That greatly factored in him playing a career-high 60 games this season, but he didnât play one second in the playoffs due to a recurring left foot third metatarsal stress reaction.
Williams averaged 11.7 points and eight rebounds in his first season with the Suns, who traded two first-round picks to the Hornets in acquiring him.
Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams applauds a defensive effort by guard Collin Gillespie (12) during Game 3 of their playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 25, 2026.
Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams applauds a defensive effort by guard Collin Gillespie (12) during Game 3 of their playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 25, 2026.
Williams missed Phoenixâs last five games as he sat out the play-in tournament finale that the Suns won at home over the Golden State Warriors to advance as an eighth seed.
Oso Ighodaro proved to be Phoenixâs most reliable big as he played all 82 games in the regular season, two play-in games and four playoff games. However, the 6-foot-10-inch center averaged just 6.5 points and 5.1 rebounds.
The Suns dealt Richards to Chicago in a three-team deal before the trade deadline. Maluach later saw minutes when Williams missed 15 straight games with the foot injury.
Williams is a restricted free agent, meaning the Suns can match any offer sheet from another team. Maluach appears to be the future as he could be Phoenixâs main big going into next season depending on what happens with Williams.
Ighodaro is a valued backup who averaged eight points and on 66.9% shooting and 6.3 rebounds in 24 starts this season.
The Suns have options at center going into next season.
Theyâve talked about the importance of continuity and player development, but aren't totally against roster changes.
âDo we take calls about opportunistic trades and ideas? Of course we do,â Suns team owner Mat Ishbia said during his end-of-season press conference.
âHowever, our massive, massive lean is I like this team, I like where we're going, I like the direction of the organization, I like the culture that we built, I like the identity that we have and we're not going to do anything silly to mess that up."
Perkins believes the Suns should consider Embiid.
âWeâve seen a lot of stories where guys left certain organizations and all of the sudden, youâre like who the (expletive) is that,â Perkins said.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 08: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 08: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on May 08, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Suns were known for taking on players who wound up relatively healthy with them after dealing with injuries at previous stops with Grant Hill being one of those cases.
However, Phoenix had an injury-plagued 2025-26 season as Jalen Green only saw action in 32 regular-season games in his first year with the Suns after playing every game in his previous two seasons with the Houston Rockets.
Embiid has spent 12 seasons with Philadelphia. He didnât play the first two with a major foot injury.
He proceeded to become one of the NBAâs best players, winning league MVP in 2022-23, but the 7-footer has been plagued with injuries throughout his career.
Embiid played a total of 96 games in his last three regular seasons, but he averaged 29.4 points and 9.1 rebounds during this stretch.
He missed four playoff games this year, but Embiid posted 24 points and 7.3 boards a game in seven games in the 2026 postseason. '
Translation: When healthy, Embiid produces, but he struggles to stay healthy.
76ers center Joel Embiid (21) complains to an official during a game against the Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz. on Feb. 7, 2026.
76ers center Joel Embiid (21) complains to an official during a game against the Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz. on Feb. 7, 2026.
âHeâs an important player on our roster,â said 76ers managing partner Josh Harris about Embiid at a press conference May 14 as he noted the injuries.
âHeâs a warrior. ... Weâre looking forward to welcoming him back on our team.â
Embiidâs three-year extension for $192.9Â million begins in 2026-27.
Any team looking to trade for him will have to take on that contract.
The Suns could look to put a package of players together to match the first year of  Embiidâs deal thatâs estimated at $57.9 million, but not having any control of their first-round picks through 2031 and their 2032 first-round pick frozen until 2027-28 impacts their options.
As productive as Embiid has been in his career, his injury history canât be dismissed by any team whoâd like to have him.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
