When there’s a superstar on the market, you can bet Daryl Morey’s name will surface. That’s just who he is - a calculated risk-taker with an eye for elite talent and a track record of swinging big. And while Giannis Antetokounmpo landing in Philadelphia still feels like a long shot, the Sixers are quietly lurking in the background of the conversation.
According to a recent report, the reigning MVP and perennial All-NBA forward is open to a potential move, and teams across the league are watching closely. Usual suspects like the Knicks, Warriors, Heat, and Timberwolves have all been linked to Giannis, but there’s a new wrinkle: the Sixers might not be as far off the radar as you’d think.
A Subtle Signal from Giannis’ Camp
Here’s where things get interesting. While Philadelphia hasn’t reached out to Milwaukee about a deal - and with good reason, considering how well their season is going - league sources say Giannis has taken notice of the Sixers. Specifically, he’s intrigued by the idea of teaming up with Tyrese Maxey.
The Maxey connection isn’t just about talent. Both Giannis and Maxey train with Drew Hanlen, one of the NBA’s most respected player development specialists. That shared bond might not be a game-changer on its own, but in a league where relationships often drive decisions, it’s not nothing.
The Current Core is Clicking
Right now, the Sixers have a strong three-headed foundation in Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George. Maxey has blossomed into a legitimate star, and his rise has given Philly a dynamic scoring threat who can also facilitate.
Embiid, despite battling knee issues over the past two seasons, has looked dominant when healthy. And while George hasn’t quite lived up to the full weight of his contract, he’s been a steady veteran presence who fits well alongside the other two.
In short, the Sixers aren’t desperate. They’re not in panic mode.
But Giannis is the kind of player who changes the math. He’s a franchise-altering force - a two-way juggernaut who instantly raises a team’s ceiling.
If there’s even a sliver of a chance to land him, you at least have to consider it.
Tread Carefully, Daryl
Of course, Morey knows better than anyone that big swings come with big risks. He’s been down this road before.
Early in his Philadelphia tenure, he tried to orchestrate a deal to bring James Harden in from Houston by moving Ben Simmons. That trade didn’t happen at the time, and the fallout lingered - eventually leading to a fractured relationship and a saga that dragged on far too long.
So if Milwaukee comes calling and asks for Joel Embiid as the centerpiece of a Giannis deal, Morey has to think long and hard. Embiid is the heart of the Sixers - a generational talent, a fan favorite, and the reigning MVP.
Trading him, even for someone like Giannis, would be seismic. It’s not the kind of move you make unless you’re absolutely sure.
And then there’s VJ Edgecombe - the promising young guard who’s quickly becoming one of the more intriguing prospects in the league. If the Bucks want to get younger and see Edgecombe as a foundational piece, the Sixers would need to weigh his long-term upside against the immediate impact of adding Giannis.
The Odds Are Long - But Not Zero
Let’s be clear: the Sixers aren’t the frontrunners here. Teams like the Warriors and Knicks have more obvious trade packages and, in some cases, more urgency.
But that doesn’t mean Philly is out of the picture. Morey has a history of waiting for the perfect moment - and when that moment comes, he doesn’t hesitate.
If the Sixers stay patient and keep winning, they may not need to make a move at all. But if the Giannis sweepstakes heat up and the Bucks start listening, don’t be surprised if Morey picks up the phone.
Just don’t expect him to rush into anything. Not this time.