PHILADELPHIA 76ers star Joel Embiid dropped a not-so-subtle hint about his team’s offseason plans.
The 7-foot center appeared on NBA Countdown ahead of the Boston Celtics-Dallas Mavericks matchup in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.
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Embiid, 30, joined ESPN’s pregame show alongside LA Clippers star Paul George on Friday night.
George, 34, has been linked to the Sixers with contract negotiations between him and LA dragging on.
And Embiid fueled the rumors after Stephen A. Smith asked him what he thought about the potential for the Celtics to win their 18th NBA championship in just a few hours.
“I can’t stand them,” Embiid said.
“I hate Boston. Great city, great fans, obviously they have great players.
“But it hurts me a lot. Hopefully this offseason we find a way to improve, add some pieces…”
Just before Embiid said “add some pieces,” he glanced sideways at George and then a wide smile appeared on his face.
Stephen A. and host Malika Andrews apparently noticed Embiid’s gesture, trying to question the Sixers star about his team’s potential roster additions.
NBA Twitter also noticed the 2023 MVP’s attention.
“He needs to know something behind the scenes,” wrote one.
“That sideways look was crazy,” added another.
“Well played Joel… well played,” said a third.
“No way is he tampering with live TV,” one wrote.
George didn’t seem to react at all to Embiid’s gaze.
NBA Finals Schedule
Thursday, June 6 – Game 1 – Dallas Mavericks 89-107 Boston Celtics
Sunday, June 9th – Game 2 – Dallas Mavericks 98-105 Boston Celtics
Wednesday, June 12 – Game 3 – Boston Celtics 106-99 Dallas Mavericks
Friday, June 14 – Game 4, 8:30 p.m. ET – Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks
Mon, June 17 – Game 5, 8:30 pm ET – Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics
Thursday, June 20 – Game 6, 8:30 p.m. ET – Boston Celtics vs. Dallas Mavericks
Sun, June 23 – Game 7, 8pm ET – Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics
(Boston beats Dallas 3-0)
The nine-time All-Star has yet to reach an agreement on a contract extension with the Clippers.
In a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, NBA insider Brian Windhorst said the two sides “exchanged numbers and are not on the same page.”
George can decline his $48.8 million player option for 2024-25 and hit free agency this summer.
He has until June 29 to make the decision.
The Sixers were expected to have more than $55 million in cap space available this offseason, meaning they could offer the 6-foot-5 forward a max contract.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks scored a surprising 122-84 victory over the Celtics in Game 4 to extend the series.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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