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Embiid sparks chaos with cryptic post, Butler chimes in

Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Could Joel Embiid be unhappy in Philadelphia?

The 76ers center incited a flurry of speculation with an Instagram post on Monday, uploading a photo depicting him shushing the Philly crowd accompanied by the caption, "You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain."

Embiid's former teammate and current Miami Heat All-Star Jimmy Butler quickly jumped in, apparently trying to recruit Embiid to South Beach - an idea to which the 7-footer seemed receptive.

Embiid soon posted a follow-up tweet with another photo, appearing to reassure 76ers fans that everything is fine.

But there is one important detail about Embiid's second photo: It was taken in the Heat's arena.

Embiid's cryptic posts come at a delicate time for the 76ers. They've won just two of their last six contests following last week's four-game skid, and veteran forward Al Horford admitted during the losing streak that there was "some stuff going on" in the 76ers' locker room. He didn't elaborate.

If Embiid does want out of Philadelphia - and if the Heat are interested - any move sending the big man to Miami will face considerable roadblocks. Of note is Embiid's massive contract, which ties him to the 76ers through the 2022-23 season.

The Heat, meanwhile, reportedly failed to swing a deadline day trade for Oklahoma City Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari; the Thunder's ask undoubtedly paled in comparison to any price the 76ers would set for their former No. 3 pick.

Of course, Embiid could just be a big fan of "The Dark Knight," rendering everyone's speculation moot.

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