After the Sixers edged out the Rockets in a 128-122 thriller, the buzz around Philadelphia isn’t just about the win-it’s about what comes next. With the trade deadline looming on February 5, the conversation has shifted to one name that’s quickly become untouchable in Philly: VJ Edgecombe.
The rookie guard out of Baylor, taken third overall in last year’s draft, has been a revelation. He’s not just holding his own-he’s thriving.
And now, he’s drawing comparisons not just to other rookies, but to legends. On his podcast, Bill Simmons took things up a notch, tossing out a hypothetical blockbuster: Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Sixers, with Edgecombe heading to Milwaukee.
Even Simmons admitted it’s a deal Philly probably wouldn’t touch.
“It’s Giannis and the Gary Harris tiny contract for Paul George and the 2029 Clips - Philly swap pick that Milwaukee has for VJ Edgecombe,” Simmons said. “I think they probably would not do this because they’d be afraid of how mad the fan base would be because the fan base has already decided this is great-Maxey and VJ, sign us up, we’re good.”
And he’s not wrong. The Maxey-Edgecombe backcourt has been one of the most electric young tandems in the league this season.
Their chemistry, pace, and playmaking have given the Sixers a dynamic identity-and fans have bought in. Trading either of them, even for a two-time MVP like Giannis, would be a seismic move.
But that’s how high Edgecombe’s stock has risen.
Simmons went a step further, suggesting that Edgecombe, on his rookie deal and with just 40 games under his belt, might already have more trade value than Giannis. That’s not to say he’s the better player right now, but the combination of youth, upside, and contract flexibility makes Edgecombe one of the most valuable assets in the league.
“I think they say no,” Simmons said. “So if I do trade value again, forget about like all the reasons for it, I do think VJ Edgecombe might have a higher trade value than Giannis.
As crazy as that sounds. On a rookie deal, 40 games into the season, and it’s like, we can’t trade him, he might be f--ing Dwyane Wade.
Like for real, this might be mid-2000s Dwyane Wade again. We’re not trading him.”
That’s a bold comparison, but it speaks to how special Edgecombe has looked. Through 40 games, he’s averaging 15.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, while shooting 42.9% from the field and 36.8% from deep.
Those are strong numbers for any rookie, but it’s the poise and playmaking that have really turned heads. He plays with a confidence that belies his age, and his ability to create off the dribble has given the Sixers a new offensive wrinkle.
The Sixers have long searched for the right pieces to surround Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Now, it looks like they may have found a third cornerstone in Edgecombe.
And while trade chatter always heats up this time of year, the message from Philly seems clear: they’re not just building for now-they’re building something sustainable. And Edgecombe is at the heart of it.
So sure, the idea of Giannis in a Sixers jersey is tantalizing. But the reality is, Philadelphia might already have their future star. And he’s just getting started.