As James Harden and the 76ers continue to discuss Harden’s future, his teammate and fellow MVP winner Joel Embiid offered insight on his reaction to learning of the star guard’s reported interest in playing somewhere other than Philadelphia.
Harden, whom the Sixers acquired in Feb. 2022, is currently not seeing eye-to-eye with Sixers brass after the 14-year veteran failed to secure an extension. On June 29, Harden requested a trade after opting into his $35.6 million player option for the 2023–24 season; it was later reported that the Clippers were considered to be Harden’s preferred landing spot.
Speaking to Showtime’s Rachel Nichols, Embiid admitted he was “disappointed” in hearing about his teammate and close friend’s desire to leave Philadelphia but understood the move is about business.
The reigning NBA MVP slightly changed his diplomatic tone, however, as he told Nichols he hopes Harden returns so they can carry out their goal of winning a championship. Embiid also stated he appreciates how Harden has handled the situation, before adding the two will remain friends regardless of what happens.
“We’re going [to] be boys forever, want him to come back obviously, so we can go out and accomplish what we want which is to win a champion, so hopefully his mindset can be changed,” Embiid said.
Spoke to Joel Embiid about James Harden’s trade request - Embiid said he’s hopeful Harden’s “mindset can be changed.” The two were partying with @MichaelRubin last night at the @Fanatics/@TheNBPA Summer League blowout. pic.twitter.com/9sKwp3HGsg
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) July 10, 2023
While it remains to be seen if Harden ultimately changes his mind, Embiid is clearly still his teammate’s friend amid the latter’s rocky relationship with the team.
Of course, should Embiid get his wish, his on-court relationship with Harden figures to, again, serve as a blueprint for the 76ers to follow after the pair’s successful albeit frustrating first full season together.
Philadelphia made the playoffs as No. 3 seed after finishing last season with a 54–28 record, a slight improvement from a 51–31 finish the year prior. The club was eliminated in the Eastern conference semifinals for a third straight postseason after surrendering a 3–2 series lead to the Celtics.
