The Philadelphia Sixers found themselves in the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade spotlight when Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that the team is on the 31-year-old's radar because of Tyrese Maxey (subscription required). The two both work out with NBA trainer Drew Hanlen. As exciting as that sounds, there is a 99.9% chance Philadelphia would have to give up VJ Edgecombe, which, according to Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports, isn't something the organization is even considering.
Neubeck tweeted on Friday morning that he spoke with a league source who "completely shut down the idea" that the Sixers would trade the rookie in any deal, including in one for Antetokounmpo.
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.
— Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) January 30, 2026
Should go without saying, but he’s part of the foundation in Philly
Milwaukee reportedly wants young players and draft assets in return for Giannis, which is the typical asking price for a star. Philadelphia could meet that price, but the organization doesn't want to lose Edgecombe in the process, who the Bucks would certainly demand.
So, as of right now, it doesn't seem like the Sixers are all that interested in bringing Antetokounmpo to town, but their stance could change. Should it? No. But could it? Yes.
Sixers not willing to trade VJ Edgecombe for Giannis
The disaster that was the 2024-25 season in Philadelphia became worth it when the Sixers landed the No. 3 pick in the draft lottery and used it to select Edgecombe in June. Fans couldn't wait to see him in action, and he made the wait worth it when he dropped 34 points in the team's season debut in a win over the Celtics.
For years, Philadelphia has tried to build the roster around Joel Embiid to win a championship, and its latest attempt was signing Paul George to a four-year max deal in 2024. Now, here we are in the middle of the 2025-26 season, and the Sixers won't reach the promised land because of Embiid and George, although the former is finally looking and playing like his old self again.
The front office could try to capitalize on Embiid's recent play by trading for Antetokounmpo (assuming George would be in the package instead of the center), but he's out right now with a calf strain. He won't play for a few more weeks.
Truly, the last thing Philadelphia needs to do is bring in another veteran star, even if that star is Giannis. It has something special in Maxey and Edgecombe, who could, dare we say, lead the Sixers in the next few years to where they've desperately been trying to go.
Yes, Giannis is Giannis, but the Sixers rightfully don't want to lose VJ Edgecombe.