With the NBA trade deadline looming, the rumor mill is heating up - and one hypothetical deal involving the Philadelphia 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks has everyone talking.
The buzz? A blockbuster proposal that would send Giannis Antetokounmpo to Philadelphia in exchange for a package headlined by rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe, along with Paul George, a 2028 Clippers first-round pick, and the Sixers’ own unprotected 2030 first-rounder.
Now, let’s be clear - there’s no indication the Sixers are actively shopping Edgecombe. In fact, reports suggest they’re reluctant to move him at all.
And it’s easy to see why. The No. 3 overall pick has been electric to start his NBA career, flashing the kind of two-way potential that front offices dream about.
Pairing him with Tyrese Maxey long-term could give Philly one of the most dynamic backcourts in the league for years to come.
But here’s the twist: Giannis is on the table in this scenario. And when a generational talent like Antetokounmpo becomes even remotely available, it forces teams to rethink their timelines - and their untouchables.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, this Sixers package is the most compelling offer for the Bucks among several floated proposals. What makes it stand out?
Edgecombe. As Marks put it, “Only one of these trades results in Milwaukee landing a blue-chip prospect on a rookie contract: the Sixers and Edgecombe.”
That’s a big deal. In a potential rebuild, Edgecombe gives Milwaukee a foundational piece - a young guard with star upside, on a cost-controlled deal. Add in two unprotected first-rounders and a likely lottery pick this June, and the Bucks would be looking at a serious jumpstart to their next era.
Sure, taking on Paul George’s contract (nearly $111 million) and keeping Giannis in the Eastern Conference isn’t ideal from Milwaukee’s perspective. But the upside here is undeniable. It’s not often you get a chance to reset with a high-ceiling rookie and draft capital.
From the Sixers’ side, the appeal is obvious. A core of Giannis, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey?
That’s not just a Big Three - that’s a potential superteam. It’s a trio that could terrorize the East on both ends of the floor.
Giannis and Embiid alone would form the most physically dominant frontcourt in the league, and Maxey’s explosiveness gives them a backcourt punch to match.
Of course, this all hinges on Philly’s willingness to part with Edgecombe. And that’s no small decision. He’s looked every bit the franchise cornerstone early on, and building around him and Maxey would be the safer, long-term route.
But Daryl Morey has never been one to shy away from big swings. He’s built his reputation on chasing stars - and this would be the ultimate swing-for-the-fences move.
The clock is ticking. The deadline is Thursday. If anything’s going to happen, it’s going to happen fast.
And if it does? The Eastern Conference playoff picture could shift in a major way.