Joel Embiid admitted he wishes the Philadelphia 76ers would have been able to re-sign Jimmy Butler.

Butler played a big role in the 76ers reaching Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals and brought a unique skill-set to the team.

“It was a big loss because me and him, we got to the point where we were really close... we’re still close," said Embiid. "We talk a lot, that’s my guy, that’s my brother forever. I wish he was still on the team, because I feel like the relationship that I built with him could have gone a long way. When it was the fourth quarter, we knew the ball would either be in me or Jimmy’s hands. I knew I could count on him. This year it kind of changes around. Now other guys have to step up and I have to do more.”

The 76ers acquired Josh Richardson as part of a sign-and-trade involving Butler while also signing Al Horford and re-signing Tobias Harris.