Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo has an interest in teaming up with Philadelphia Sixers star Tyrese Maxey, but there is a six-foot-four reason why fans don't want to see the superstar land with their favorite team. That reason is, of course, VJ Edgecombe, because agreeing to a deal with the Bucks would require them to give up their star rookie. It's why fans won't like ESPN's mock trade idea.
In the trade, Philadelphia sends Edgecombe, Paul George, a 2028 first-round pick (via the Clippers), and a 2030 first-round pick to Milwaukee for Antetokounmpo.
Losing George? Fine. Losing two first-round picks? Fine. Losing Edgecombe? No way.
The Sixers apparently think so too, as Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports reported on Friday that he spoke to a league source who "completely shut down the idea" that Philadelphia would trade Edgecombe, including in a deal 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
Sixers give up VJ Edgecombe in ESPN mock trade for Giannis
Milwaukee should want more than two first-round picks for Antetokounmpo, but trading Edgecombe is the equivalent of a first-round pick. Philadelphia could even argue that the equivalent of two, as he's not just any first-round pick. He's a No. 3 pick who is on the track to stardom.
It's why you haven't read about the Sixers' interest in Giannis, as they know what it'd take to get a deal done. Other teams like the Heat, Knicks, Warriors, and even the Timberwolves sit atop the Antetokounmpo trade list. Philadelphia hasn't joined the race.
The Sixers could always change their stance, but why should they? You can bet they've thought about trading for Giannis, simply because of who he is, but they finally have something special brewing, and it extends beyond Joel Embiid. He and Paul George aren't the ones who will lead Philadelphia to a championship. It will be Maxey and Edgecombe.
If there were a way for them to get Antetokounmpo without losing Edgecombe (or Maxey), now that'd be something. Milwaukee would be committing malpractice if it accepted a deal that didn't offer one of those two players. Nico Harrison isn't the Bucks' GM. If only he were.
While the Sixers realistically don't have a shot at Giannis with Edgecombe off the table, fans should still be invested in where he ends up, whether it be before the deadline or the offseason. Rooting for him not to go to the Knicks should be at the top of the list. Maybe he'll go somewhere out West — to the Timberwolves, Warriors, or another team. Just not New York, and preferably not Miami, either.