Did Joel Embiid try to recruit Paul George on live TV?
Apr 16, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) before game one of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid on Friday poured gasoline on the flames of the Paul George-to-Philly rumors.
Embiid and George both appeared on the ESPN pregame show for Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden in Boston, Mass.
PG and Embiid
(Via @malika_andrews ) pic.twitter.com/USb27YDcxn
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 15, 2024
Embiid was more than likely aware of the 76ers’ reported interest in George when the pair appeared on the pregame segment. The former MVP spoke about his team “adding some pieces” and seemed to side-eye George when he made the comment.
“Hopefully, this offseason we find a way to get better and add some pieces,” Embiid said with a sheepish smile.
Embiid talks about adding in the offseason and side eyes Paul George lol pic.twitter.com/JzvfL9f7oa
— Jake (@JakeMarc23) June 15, 2024
George is expected to opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent this offseason. While returning to the Los Angeles Clippers is still the most probable outcome for George, several reports have linked the 9-time All-Star to the 76ers.
George, a Palmdale, Calif. native, could very well be using the 76ers rumors as leverage to negotiate one last massive payday with LAC. But Embiid’s interest in teaming up with George appears to be genuine.
George would slot in perfectly as a third star next to Embiid and rising player Tyrese Maxey. The 76ers have had a revolving door of wing players throughout the Embiid era. Signing a needle-mover like George could be what helps push Philadelphia to true contender status.
