When Shams Charania reported Wednesday morning that Giannis Antetokounmpo is “ready for a new home” it sent shockwaves across the NBA. Every fanbase fired up trade machines and the Philadelphia 76ers’ were no exception. However, Antetokounmpo donning red, white and blue may be more than a hypothetical – at least on his end.
Jake Fisher of The Stein Line wrote Thursday morning that Antetokounmpo is intrigued by the idea of teaming up with Tyrese Maxey, putting the 76ers on his radar. Philadelphia, however, has not contacted the Milwaukee Bucks about a potential trade involving Antetokounmpo. Given the king’s ransom that Milwaukee would likely demand for the future Hall-of-Famer, the 76ers may be better off.
If the Bucks (18-27) part with Antetokounmpo, a rebuild is almost guaranteed as they lack a competitive roster outside of the two-time Most Valuable Player. Milwaukee also doesn’t fully own its first-round pick until 2031, so it will likely require draft capital and high-upside players to reset its timeline. Even if Philadelphia reached out, it may quickly hang up the phone.
Considering Milwaukee’s needs, a mock trade could include Paul George’s $51.6 million annual salary to make the numbers work, VJ Edgecombe, the 76ers’ 2028 first-rounder (via the Los Angeles Clippers) and more draft assets. One could argue that the Eastern Conference is ripe for the taking and that Philadelphia should act accordingly – a short-sighted approach.
For as dominant as Joel Embiid has been recently, his long-term outlook remains questionable due to his left knee woes. He will be 32 years old next season and entering the first season of his three-year/$188.2 contract extension. Not to mention, Antetokounmpo, in the first year of his three-year/$175.4 extension, has dealt with calf issues, as there is no return timetable for his right calf strain.
If neither Embiid nor Antetokounmpo ages gracefully, Philadelphia wouldn’t possess the financial flexibility to pivot. Meanwhile, the Bucks would be enjoying Edgecombe’s development and the draft capital that should’ve been extending the 76ers’ timeline. The thought of Antetokounmpo, Maxey and Embiid is fun, but it should remain that.
Bobby Portis, however, could be an interesting trade target for Philadelphia if Milwaukee chooses to sell at the trade deadline on February 5th. The forward would add front-court spacing and rebounding to the 76ers, averaging 13.2 points on 45.8% shooting from three-point range and 6.6 rebounds this season. But, the 30-year-old being on the first season of his three-year/$43.6 deal may rightfully dissuade Philadelphia.
Regardless, the 76ers and Bucks alike have exactly seven days to decide their course of action for the rest of the 2025-26 season.