Joel Embiid Hopeful James Harden Rescinds Trade Request, Returns to 76ers

There’s at least one member of the 76ers who wants star guard James Harden to return, and that member just happens to be the league’s MVP.

Specifically, that man is center Joel Embiid, who suggested he doesn’t want Harden to leave — despite Harden demanding a trade a couple of weeks back after opting in to his contract.

“Disappointed,” Embiid told Rachel Nichols of Showtime, via RealGM. “But then again, I also understand it’s business, people make decisions and I’m more appreciative of the way he’s handled the whole situation. We’re gonna be boys forever. Want him to come back obviously, so we can go out and accomplish what we want which is to win a championship.

“So hopefully his mindset can be changed. But other than that, I’m just so happy to be his friend. We’re close and we’ve grown since he got here and that’s what I’m excited about. And I’m excited to keep that friendship for the rest of our lives.”

It’s been said that Harden and the Sixers are at a stalemate and the sides are still waiting for a trade market to develop. Harden is believed to be seeking a trade specifically to the Clippers.

But with Trail Blazers star guard Damian Lillard also seeking a trade (to the Heat), Harden may have to wait a while if he continues to want out.

Plus, reports suggest Philadelphia is hoping Harden has a change of heart. The longer it takes to make a deal, the more time it gives Harden to potentially change his mind.