The Philadelphia 76ers were arguably the biggest player in the offseason last year. Armed with a boatload of money to throw at free agents, the franchise definitely did not shy away from the spotlight, making the most out of their deep pockets and securing lofty extensions for Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey while signing Paul George.
That certainly won’t happen again this time around with the 76ers basically sapped of spending power — unless a huge deal awaits. If we are to project, it’s likely that this offseason could very well be defined by what happens with two-time Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who seems to have started seriously entertaining the idea of life outside Milwaukee.
So far, the Bucks have not had anything concrete proferred to them on the table just yet, but given how things have been churning on that end, even if slowly, it is highly unlikely that offers will not gush out sooner than later. All it takes is for the superstar to send an intelligible signal.
The 76ers have not been linked to the Greak Freek in any way thus far, but given the magnitude of a potential bidding war for Giannis, you can almost count on every team to make a play for one of the best players in the world.
The 76ers do have what it takes to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Technically speaking, every team out there — maybe unless you’re Phoenix — can lay a contrived claim on Giannis simply by putting everything on the table. But realistically speaking, only a handful of teams can accommodate a deal for the superstar.
The 76ers, while touting close to zero linkages to Antetokounmpo on the rumor mill, are actually one of the few teams that can put forth a realistic offer. After all, Philly has a good mixture of win-now players, potential franchise building blocks, and draft capital that it will be able to afford the Bucks with good optionality direction-wise when it comes to a return package.
If Milwaukee wants to remain competitive, the 76ers have three stars who are not — and should not be — untouchable. If the Bucks prefer a full-scale rebuild, Philly can pique their interest using the draft capital they have replenished in recent years and sweetening the pot with the likes of Jared McCain and Quentin Grimes.
While it’s true that Giannis Antetokounmpo has not included the Philadelphia 76ers in his rumored wishlist, the Milwaukee Bucks will most likely operate with the view of getting the best possible offer out there. In that case, the Philadelphia 76ers should not be completely glossed over, no matter what some might think.