Joel Embiid on James Harden trade request: 'Hopefully ... his mindset can be changed'

One of the most noteworthy developments of the NBA’s offseason so far was a trade request from Philadelphia 76ers guard James Harden.

Harden opted into the final year of his contract with Philadelphia with the expectation that the 76ers would find him and his expiring contract a new home for next season.

While the odds initially implied that Philadelphia was not likely to retain Harden and that he could potentially end up with the L.A. Clippers, there is nothing surprising about Harden’s potential exit.

That being said, if the NBA’s reigning MVP Joel Embiid had his way, the dynamic duo would try to run it back for one more shot at the title.

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

Embiid spoke to Showtime reporter Rachel Nichols about the trade request. Here is what he said:

“Disappointed. But then, I also understand, it’s business. You know, people make decisions and I’m more appreciative of the way 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 to win a championship. So hopefully … his mindset can be changed. But other than that, I’m just so happy to be his friend. You know, we close. We’ve grown since he got here. That’s what I’m excited about.”

That is certainly an interesting response from Embiid, who was reportedly “partying” with Harden in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Perhaps the trade request that Harden initially issued could eventually get revoked and Philadelphia does, indeed, give it another shot with this core in place for next season.