The Philadelphia 76ers were not among the teams heavily linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo during trade season. However, if the team falls short in the postseason, one would think their stance would possibly change. After years of early exits, it would make plenty of sense for Philly to make a play for the Milwaukee Bucks star to try something different with one of the best players in the game.
Giannis may have an interest in Philadelphia
During trade season, NBA insider Jake Fischer (subscription required) reported that Giannis did have interest in teaming up with 76ers star Tyrese Maxey. No one could blame him. At 25, Maxey has been improving every season of his career, and he's currently destined to make an All-NBA team, averaging 29 points and 6.7 assists per game.
Teaming up with Maxey would give Antetokounmpo a young running mate who could help share some of the workload as the Greek Freak ages. Whether it was Jrue Holiday or Damian Lillard, Giannis has always had an affinity for playing with star guards. With Maxey not even in his prime yet, the prospect of teaming up has to be desirable.
That goes without even mentioning Joel Embiid, one of the most dominant big men in the entire NBA. A defensive ace and 26 point per contest scorer, Embiid could be the perfect complement to Giannis, taking pressure off of him on both ends. After carrying the defensive load for years in Milwaukee, the thought of teaming up with someone like Embiid has to be enticing.
Bucks should have interest in 76ers' package
The 76ers have an assortment of draft picks they could trade to satisfy the Bucks in that regard, and they also have interesting players. First and foremost, any deal would be centered around ascending rookie VJ Edgecome. Per ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, Edgecome was the type of young building block that the Bucks were interested in. That won't change.
In any Giannis trade, the Milwaukee Bucks need to net a potential-filled young player. Edgecome fits the billing as an intriguing two-way prospect who is just 20 years old and on a rookie deal. Edgecome and draft picks could be a nice starting point in a Bucks rebuild. Milwaukee would have to take on the salary of Paul George to sweeten the pot for Philly, which would be fine in a rebuilding situation.
There are other teams that may have better packages, such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, due to their ability to offer Evan Mobley, but the 76ers are a dark horse here. Ultimately, it could hinge on how far Philly gets in the postseason. If they finally break through and get the job done, they won't even think about breaking up their group. If they fall short, though... Never say never.
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