Patrick Beverley was introduced by the 76ers on Monday after signing a veteran minimum deal, and he didn’t waste time making his pitch to his former Rockets teammate, James Harden, who is reportedly being shopped at his request after opting into the final year of his contract.
“I love him,” Beverley said when asked what he would say to Harden when it came to his latest trade request. “James, I love you, bro. Stay!”
Beverley made his NBA debut during the 2012-13 campaign, also Harden’s first with the Rockets, earning his first of 10 straight All-Star selections. They were teammates in Houston for five seasons.
Now, Beverley is hoping they will be teammates again, noting that Harden’s current presence on the roster was a factor in his decision to sign in Philly.
“James is a really, really good friend of mine,” Beverley said. "Our moms are best friends. Me coming into the NBA in Houston, it was me and him for six years…I’m very familiar with James."
“I’m excited to get it going. He knows I’m here, so we’ll see.”