After literal months of dilly-dallying, the hammer has finally started to drop for Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. As ESPN’s Shams Charania recently dropped, both camps are now actively working toward a trade for the superstar, and it may come as soon as in the coming days before the February 5 trade deadline.
The Philadelphia 76ers have not been strongly linked to the two-time MVP. His rumored shortlist of preferred landing spots likewise does not include Philly. As such, it is probably safe to write them off in the bidding war for the Greek Freak, although there remains a section of the fanbase that is still hopeful for the 76ers to make a bid for the superstar.
Unfortunately for those fans, there is only one way to go for the franchise. The 76ers have no business doubling down on their all-in approach to winning as much as trading for Giannis at the cost of mortgaging their entire future largely powered by rookie standout VJ Edgecombe, who has been sensational to say the least so far in his young career.
The 76ers have to resist the strong urge to trade VJ Edgecombe for Giannis Antetokounmpo
As everyone knows, Daryl Morey has always liked going after the next big star, which is precisely what makes the 76ers a bit of a wild card when it comes to available star players in the trade market. But as sterling as the prospect of bringing Giannis in is, Philly should easily look elsewhere.
Edgecombe, whom the Bucks will surely want in a return package for the Greek Freak as a featured piece, should be off-limits for any star at this juncture. Prospects like him do not come often, and with each passing day, it is becoming clearer that he might just be their next franchise player.
The 76ers have to build around Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey moving forward. While that nucleus is not enough to propel them to the title just yet, the team still has the likes of Joel Embiid and Paul George who can ensure that their collective floor remains lofty enough to win a lot of meaningful games.
The Greek Freak may be a world-beater, but the 76ers do not need one if the cost is parting with a potential face of the franchise in the future. That is exactly why the front office should steer clear of the Bucks right now, unless they get hypnotized into agreeing to a deal not involving VJ Edgecombe (which is simply not happening).