You can always count on the Philadelphia 76ers doing their due diligence on a top trade candidate. Daryl Morey has developed a strong reputation around the NBA for making calls on players, no matter how unrealistic his chances of landing them are.
NBA fans should never fault a GM for being active in the market. You never know when you can get a bargain (remember Luka-AD?).
There are no secrets when it comes to the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga. Although he won’t admit it publicly, all signs point to Giannis being more than open to a change of scenery. And while the Milwaukee Bucks preferred to keep Giannis, they know that the longer they hold on, the more the value regresses.
Several teams have had strong links to Giannis this past week. The Sixers were mentioned, but they are far from favorites.
“League sources say Philadelphia, furthermore, has not contacted Milwaukee about a possible Antetokounmpo deal in the wake of a better-than-expected first half, but The Stein Line has learned that the prospect of teaming up with Tyrese Maxey — who, like Giannis, works with prominent NBA trainer Drew Hanlen — does have the 76ers on Antetokounmpo’s radar,” The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer wrote.
If the Sixers wanted to truly be players in the Giannis sweepstakes, it would cost a young star (VJ Edgecombe), multiple first-round picks, and a notable veteran, so the money makes sense (Paul George).
We’ve seen this story play out before throughout the Daryl Morey era in Philadelphia. Sometimes the talks can fracture relationships (Ben Simmons for James Harden). Other times, players can learn to let it go (Tyrese Maxey for Kyle Lowry or Damian Lillard).
That first instance taught the Sixers a valuable lesson. Deny, deny, deny as insurance in case a deal doesn’t get done. They were adamant they weren’t in on Damian Lillard a few years back, although not many bought it.
As the Giannis situation plays out, the Sixers have sent a clear message: VJ Edgecombe is off the table.
What’s Word in South Philly?
“Spoke to a league source this morning who completely shot down the idea that the Sixers would trade VJ Edgecombe in any move, including in speculative deals people are talking about for Giannis,” PHLY’s Kyle Neubeck reported on Friday. “Should go without saying, but he’s part of the foundation in Philly.”
After a tank job in 2024-2025, the Sixers managed to keep their protected first-round pick and got lucky with a top-three selection. After Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper went off the board, the Sixers spent their pick on the athletic star out of Baylor.
Edgecombe is a rookie starter on a playoff-caliber Sixers team. In 43 games, he has seen the court for 35.6 minutes per game. The rookie is producing 15.1 points, while shooting 42 percent from the field and 36 percent from three. He’s also averaging 5.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.5 steals.
There is no doubt that Edgecombe has a bright future in the NBA. His run has also convinced many that he will be valuable enough to contribute to a playoff run as early as this season at just 20 years old. All things considered, is that enough to keep him off the table in a potential Giannis deal, contrary to what the Sixers claim?
One NBA Insider Has Doubts
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line joined 94WIP on Friday and reiterated what was previously reported: the Sixers aren’t actively shopping Edgecombe.
But say the Bucks come calling Daryl Morey and ask for a package that’s centered around Edgecombe, George, and two first-round picks, does Daryl Morey reconsider his stance?
“Yeah, for sure!” Fischer said. “This is also a guy who has thrown his hat in the ring for every single star that’s been available dating back to his Houston tenure.”
Morey has changed his strategy slightly since joining the Sixers, but that’s not due to a lack of trying. The Sixers have traded and signed stars (Harden, George), and have been linked to pretty much anybody who hit the trade block over the years. It’s just part of the process for Morey.
“As great as VJ is, you don’t know how long of a window you’re going to have where Tyrese Maxey is a legit top 10 player in the NBA—maybe even better. Joel Embiid looks as close to his MVP form in years. You add a guy like Giannis into this group, who is a top-three player, your championship odds are—I don’t know how high, and Daryl has always operated under the belief that literally, if you have a five percent chance, you go for it,” Fischer added.
“They would clearly have better than a five percent chance. I don’t know the exact calculation that Daryl would see, but it would be above that, without a doubt. I just think that would be too alluring for him to turn down.”
Listen to the Locker Room
The Sixers’ core is interesting. The future can be bright with Maxey and Edgecombe, and the now still has some juice with Embiid and George. An argument can be made that the Eastern Conference is still wide open. A healthy Sixers team right now can compete with the best of them.
Improving championship odds is the name of the game, but Morey’s calculations haven’t translated to a title-winning season yet. Don’t rely on the computers—rely on the captains of the ship.
Does Maxey really want to see the team part ways with Edgecombe as they are developing into a dynamic duo within just a few months of working together? Does Joel Embiid want to see another midseason shakeup, just so he can say during his exit press conference that there wasn’t enough time to put it all together?
Take Embiid’s Thursday night quote into consideration: “I love all the guys that are in here. I think we got a shot. I don’t know what they’re going to do. I hope we get a chance to just go out and compete because we got a good group of guys in this locker room, vibes are great.”
If the Bucks call with the “too alluring” offer within the next week, Morey might be wise to hang up. If Giannis stays put and the Sixers fall flat, then revisit the situation in the summer. For now, just listen to the locker room.
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