Amid James Harden trade rumors, $213,280,928 NBA superstar sets his goal for the next season: “He wants to come back… “

James Harden no longer wants to be with the 76ers. He is bolting just a season and a half after he arrived from Brooklyn. He is not happy with where the franchise is heading and was expecting a big Supermax contract too. Reports claim he also finds the bright lights of LA more alluring than the City of Brotherly Love. This decision is shocking considering how well the Guard meshed with the lineup. Going into the next season, we are highly likely going to see Harden on a different team.

However, that doesn’t budge one of Philly’s most loyal soldiers.

Philadelphia 76ers need a big boost sans James Harden

The 76ers have been in tatters ever since the Harden news. Even though they couldn’t beat the Eastern Semis curse last season, the talent level looked promising. They were playing great defense and their Floor General James Harden wreaked havoc. 

However, now that is going to change and the team will need to hunt another specialist playmaker. With Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt, a high-level playmaker is needed considering Maxey is more of an Off-Guard.

However, it is the Center position that is the most vital for the team. In the middle, Joel Embiid has been the enforcer for the squad for around a decade now. Last season, his pairing with Harden looked ominous, but the same old ghost of East Semis haunted them.

Since Playoffs success has been limited and he has himself had tough stretches in crucial games, reports suggest that he is working hard to nab a title.

Talking to ESPN, their veteran analyst Ramona Shelburn spells out what Embiid is doing to win a championship.

She reveals, ”He wants to come back in the best shape of his life. You talk about players losing weight, that is a goal that he is set. I think his mentality is, he’s going to give everything that he has to the Sixers this year. That includes putting his arm around James Harden, that includes lifting Tyrese Maxey up.”

She goes on,”That includes inviting all of those guys to his wedding, inviting Tobias Harris. This is a make-or-break year”.

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The analyst also revealed that Embiid is “involved” with major decisions surrounding 76ers and is updated regularly. 

Will Embiid stay long-term?

Shelburne called this an important year because she believes that with all the cap space, this is a great opportunity to build something in the long haul. While the Cameroonian Center has been in close touch with the Franchise, he wants to win the title over everything. He has even suggested that he is willing to win a championship with “anyone else”.

It means that if things don’t work out in Philly, he can leave. Last year, the reigning MVP signed a four-year $213 million contract displaying commitment from both sides. 

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Will that commitment last long? Do share in the comments below.