For most NBA players, except the ones playing in the Finals right now, this season has already come to an end. While most of them are busy enjoying their summer, a few are still making appearances on television in a new avatar. Just recently, Paul George joined ESPN’s NBA Countdown as an analyst for the Finals and tonight, he was accompanied by Joel Embiid, who used the platform as an opportunity to pass a sneaky message to the Clippers star and his future in Philly.

Ahead of tonight’s Game 4 between Boston and Dallas, Embiid took on a new role. Sitting right next to him was Paul George, who Daryl Morey has been pursuing to add to his roster this summer. But, to facilitate the process, Joel made the team’s intentions pretty clear, “Hopefully this off-season, we find a way to get better and you know add some pieces.” While making this comment, Embiid gave a side eye to PG with a smirk on his face, hinting at him being the piece the Sixers want to add.

Looking for a third superstar to play alongside Embiid and Maxey, Paul George could be the perfect addition for the Sixers to get them over the hump. And Morey currently has the cap space to sign a max-level player and can offer PG up to a four-year $212 million contract. Meanwhile, the Clippers can offer him nine million more, but recent reports suggest that they are not ready to overshoot their budget and are only offering him what they did to Kawhi Leonard, $152.4 million for three years. So, with an opportunity to get a more lucrative deal in Philly and a chance to play alongside two young superstars, PG is likely to make this blockbuster move.

Paul George’s fandom for “our version of Shaq” could get him to Philly

While Morey has made it clear that recruiting PG is “Plan A” for him, even George might be interested in teaming up with a player like Embiid. Although he has not come out and said it in those exact words, PG has frequently praised Joel on his podcast and revealed his fandom for the former MVP. “I’m a big fan of Joel man,” he said while talking about bringing on Embiid as a guest. And recently on Podcast P with Paul George, the Clippers star had more to say about the big man.

“How do you stop him, bro? You can’t, like you cannot stop him. He should average 41. You can’t stop him, he’s too big, he’s agile, he can shoot, he can step out from the three-point line, he’s just a big body. He’s our generation and our version of Shaq.” Putting Embiid in the same ranks as Shaq, who is considered the most dominant player ever, PG made it clear that he loves Embiid’s game.

Opting out of his $48.7 million player option, George could join the Sixers who seem like they are only a piece away from becoming title contenders. Moreover, with Embiid trying to recruit him on live TV, it is evident that he wants to become PG’s teammate too, giving him one more reason to make that move.

Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato has to say about Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise to stardom. Keep checking this space for more such updates.