Philadelphia 76ers star James Harden could be on the move soon as the NBA world has its attention on what the Portland Trail Blazers and the organization will do with Damian Lillard.
Harden exercised his player option for the 2023-24 season, but requested a trade afterward, as he reportedly didn’t feel Philadelphia did enough to roster for a run to an NBA championship.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
James Harden, #1, and Joel Embiid, #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers look on against the Brooklyn Nets during game two of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on April 17, 2023 in Philadelphia . (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
However, reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid hoped Harden would end up staying.
«Disappointed,» Embiid told Showtime on Sunday when asked about Harden’s trade request. «But then again, I also understand that it’s a business. People make decisions. I appreciate more the way he handled the whole situation. We’ll be kids forever.»
«I want him back, obviously, so we can go out there and achieve what we want, which is to win a championship. So I hope his mindset can change.»
SPURS’ GREGG POPOVICH SIGNS RICHEST CONTRACT EVER GIVEN TO NBA COACH: REPORTS
Michael Rubin and Joel Embiid, right, attend the Fanatics x NBPA Summer Players Party hosted by Michael Rubin at Tao Nightclub at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas on July 8, 2023 in Las Vegas. (Greg Doherty/Getty Images)
«But other than that, I’m so happy to be his friend. We’re close and we’ve grown since he came here. That’s what excites me. I’m excited to keep that friendship for the rest of my life.» the rest of our lives.»
A lot of changes have happened to the 76ers since their loss to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Playoffs. The team let Doc Rivers go and hired former Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse. The team also signed Mo Bamba, re-signed Montrezl Harrell, and matched Paul Reed’s offer sheet.
76ers star Tobias Harris said earlier in the offseason that he would like to see Harden return.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Joel Embiid, number 21 of the Philadelphia 76ers, looks on during the Eastern Conference semifinals of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on May 14, 2023 at TD Garden in Boston. (Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
«There aren’t a lot of guys who can go out there and leave 40 in a playoff game. I think that goes too low,» Harris said in June. «I think James is a phenomenal player, someone who works hard and someone who is a great leader overall. Of course I want him back.»
Associated Press contributed to this report.