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Joel Embiid was asked by Rachel Nichols over the weekend at Vegas Summer League for his reaction to James Harden opting into his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers with the intention of being traded away.

“Disappointed,” said Embiid. “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.”

The Sixers and Harden have been at a stalemate as they wait for his trade market to develop. While it was initially reported that Harden has likely played his final game with the Sixers already, there has been some follow-up reporting that they hope he remains with the team.

Embiid and Harden spent time together at two recent parties hosted by Michael Rubin since the start of free agency.