The Philadelphia 76ers have yet to formally enter the race for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but rival executives would hate to see them do so. Philadelphia can offer a package the Milwaukee Bucks will struggle to find better than, with valuable draft compensation, a big enough salary to make the finances align, and up-and-comers who have already shown signs of star potential.
The 76ers would need to part with V.J. Edgecombe and perhaps Jared McCain to make a trade work, but their best offer would create havoc for the rest of the NBA.
The Oklahoma City Thunder can offer a surplus of draft picks and an equally as profound number of quality young players with untapped potential. It's fair to question if they're willing to part with either Chet Holmgren or Jalen Williams, however, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is clearly off limits.
The 76ers, meanwhile, can offer multiple first-round draft picks in a potential trade, as well as pick swaps and two up-and-comers who are already showing actual star potential.
With all due respect to the Thunder's incredible depth chart, it's fair to question if anyone beyond the star trio has truly looked the part of a go-to player. V.J. Edgecombe is earning rave reviews during his rookie season, however, and Jared McCain has at least looked the part of a productive scorer and shooter.
It's unlikely that the 76ers would be willing to part with their two most promising up-and-coming players, but if they make their best offer, other teams would struggle to match it.
76ers can offer picks, rising stars, and a near-matching salary
A potential trade could include Paul George's $51.6 million salary, Edgecombe, and McCain for Antetokounmpo and a combination of low-cost contracts. To get the deal over the finish line, it could include 2028, 2030, and 2032 first-round draft picks, as well as potential pick swaps.
The 2028 selection may be the most valuable of all, as the 76ers' pick originally belonged to an aging and limited LA Clippers side that seems destined for a long stay in the lottery.
The 76ers also have the right to swap first-round draft picks with the Clippers in 2029, with only a pick that lands within the top three being protected. If Milwaukee prefers that selection, Philadelphia could adjust their offer accordingly.
In either scenario, one of the oldest, most injury-plagued, and most financially limited rosters in the NBA projects to produce a favorable pick in 2028 and 2029.
The question facing the 76ers, of course, is whether or not they'd be willing to move Edgecombe and McCain for Antetokounmpo. Even if only Edgecombe had to go out in the move, the 76ers would be losing a star on the rise who looks the part of a perfect complement to MVP candidate Tyrese Maxey.
What the 76ers would get in return, however, is the opportunity to build around Antetokounmpo and Maxey for several years to come, with Joel Embiid and Quentin Grimes still on the roster.
The 76ers could thus roll out a starting lineup that looks something like Maxey, Grimes, Kelly Oubre Jr., Antetokounmpo, and Embiid. It could also angle to bring back a quality floor-spacer whom Antetokounmpo is familiar with in Gary Trent Jr. if it operates under the condition of preserving its depth.
It's unlikely that Philadelphia will try its hand at acquiring Antetokounmpo considering how promising Edgecombe is and how unstable Embiid's availability has been, but it's the team no one wants to see call Milwaukee.