Sixers Shut Down Giannis Trade Talk - VJ Edgecombe Isn’t Going Anywhere
Giannis Antetokounmpo in a Sixers jersey? It’s a headline that would shake the East to its core - but don’t hold your breath.
While there’s chatter that Giannis has interest in teaming up with Tyrese Maxey, Philly isn’t biting. And there’s one big reason why: VJ Edgecombe.
According to Jake Fischer, the Greek Freak would be open to joining forces with Maxey, whose star continues to rise in Philadelphia. But any realistic trade for Giannis would have to include Edgecombe - and that’s where the Sixers draw a hard line.
ESPN floated a mock deal that sent Edgecombe, Paul George, and two future first-round picks (2028 via the Clippers and 2030) to Milwaukee in exchange for Antetokounmpo. From a pure talent standpoint, it’s a blockbuster.
But from Philly’s perspective? It’s a non-starter.
Let’s break it down.
Paul George? At this point in his career, he’s a short-term piece.
If the Sixers moved off him to bring in a generational talent like Giannis, fans could live with that. Even two first-round picks?
That’s the price of doing business when you’re chasing titles. But Edgecombe?
That’s a different conversation entirely.
The 6-foot-4 rookie isn’t just a promising young player - he’s viewed internally as a foundational piece. A source told PHLY Sports’ Kyle Neubeck that the Sixers have completely shut down any idea of including Edgecombe in a trade, even for someone of Giannis’ caliber.
That’s not just lip service. That’s a franchise drawing a line in the sand.
Edgecombe was the No. 3 overall pick in the draft and has already shown flashes of stardom. He’s not just a “future asset” - he’s a present-day difference-maker with elite two-way potential.
In a league that’s increasingly driven by dynamic guard play and perimeter versatility, Edgecombe fits the mold of what teams build around. And in Philly, he already is part of the core.
That’s why you haven’t seen the Sixers seriously enter the Giannis sweepstakes. They know what it would cost - and they’re not willing to pay it.
Other teams like Miami, New York, Golden State, and Minnesota are better positioned to make a run at the Bucks’ superstar. They have the assets and, more importantly, the willingness to part with them.
The Sixers, on the other hand, are playing the long game. Joel Embiid and Paul George may be the big names on the marquee, but the future of this franchise is Maxey and Edgecombe. That’s the duo the front office is betting on to lead them into the next era - and maybe, just maybe, to a championship.
Now, if there were a way to land Giannis without giving up Edgecombe or Maxey? That’s a different story.
But let’s be real - Milwaukee’s not making that kind of deal unless their front office completely loses its mind. And for now, that’s not the case.
So no, Giannis isn’t walking through the doors of the Wells Fargo Center anytime soon. But Sixers fans should still keep an eye on where he lands - because his next move could shift the balance of power in the league.
And if you’re Philly, you’re hoping it’s not in New York. Or Miami.
Or anywhere in the East, really.
Out West? Sure.
Let the Timberwolves or Warriors roll the dice. Just not the Knicks.
Not now. Not when the Sixers finally have something worth building around.