As the uncertainty continues, Joel Embiid is praying that James Harden will have a change of heart and still stick around with him to contend for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Rachel Nichols of SHOWTIME had a brief conversation with the reigning league MVP and asked him about the ongoing Harden trade saga. As such, he expressed optimism that the All-Star guard will reconsider his decision of parting ways with Philly.
“Disappointed, but then again I understand it’s business,” he said about Harden’s trade request. “People make decisions and I’m more appreciative of the way how he’s handled the whole situation. We’re going to be boys forever.
“I want him to come back, obviously, so we can go out and accomplish what we want, which is a championship,” Embiid added. “Hopefully his mindset can be changed. Other than that, I’m just so happy to be his friend. We close and we’ve grown since he got here and, you know, that’s what I’m excited about and I’m excited to keep that friendship for the rest of our lives.”
Harden decided to opt in from his $35.6 million player option for the 2023-24 season. But this move didn’t portray his desire to remain in Philly as he also ultimately requested to get traded.
Sources told Sam Amick of The Athletic that the relationship between Harden and current Sixers GM Daryl Morey went south as the star guard became frustrated with how his impending free-agency status was handled. Still, there’s a level of hopefulness around the franchise president that he’ll convince his longtime basketball partner to stay put with him.
Embiid’s desire to still have Harden at his side can’t be discarded given the fact that the future Hall of Famer strongly gives him a stronger chance to contend. Despite the fact that the past two seasons weren’t able to generate an NBA title, having Harden around their camp still allows Philly to be a title contender.
Though Harden isn’t enjoying now the prime status that he used to be, he remains productive and even led the league assists last season, averaging 21 points and 10.7 dimes.
It is yet to be seen if Harden’s request will be granted or not, but the fact that the Sixers have a new competitive coaching regime under Nick Nurse, he may still consider making a return and seize for another year to try to win that elusive ring in the City of Brotherly Love.
