Giannis Antetokounmpo: Joel Embiid Told Me to Come Play in Philadelphia

Even though Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is still three full seasons away from free agency, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid got an early start on the recruiting process. 

Antetokounmpo said during Wednesday's practice session that Embiid made a pitch to the Bucks' MVP candidate during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles. 

"He told me I should trust the process and come play for Philly," Antetokounmpo said with a laugh, per Matt Velazquez of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "That was my reaction—I just laughed.”

Embiid has not been shy about approaching the NBA's biggest stars in an effort to get them to join him in Philadelphia. 

During Kevin Durant's free-agent frenzy two years ago, Embiid shared this on Twitter:

The Sixers' 23-year-old center is proving to be an excellent No. 1 option with 23.7 points and 11.1 rebounds per game this season. He's led Philadelphia to a 30-25 start and on pace to make the postseason for the first time since the 2011-12 season. 

Antetokounmpo is also the top dog in Milwaukee. He has the Bucks one spot ahead of Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference standings with a 32-25 record. The Greek Freak leads the team with 27.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game.