Joel Embiid was taking the high road when the topic of James Harden’s trade request out of Philadelphia came up in a conversation between the 76ers star and Showtime’s Rachel Nichols. 

Harden’s request has been one of the biggest surprises of the NBA offseason thus far since it had been expected he’d remain in the City of Brotherly Love, or at least opt out of he deal and become a free agent.

The first scenario could remain in play, though, and as far as Embiid was concerned, he hoped that could still work out, too.

“Disappointed. But then, I also understand, it’s business,” Embiid said when asked about Harden’s trade request. “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. I’m excited to keep that friendship for the rest of our lives.”

The 76ers have gone through a number of changes in the offseason following an early exit in the playoffs last year.

The 76ers parted ways with head coach Doc Rivers and brought in former Raptors coach Nick Nurse to take over. 

They also added Mo Bamba in free agency. 

While it seemed like Harden’s time in Philadelphia ended when the trade request came down, there has been some glimmer of hope for Sixers fans that perhaps he isn’t out the door just yet. 

And there may be some added optimism after the two were seen partying together at Michael Rubin’s Fourth of July party and in Las Vegas during Summer League.