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Is There a World in Which the Sixers are a Player in the Giannis Sweepstakes?
By Sean Barnard
Published:
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the latest NBA superstar to step to the center stage of the NBA trade rumor-verse. The writing has been on the wall for a few seasons now, and he has a more rightful case for wanting out than plenty of other stars in similar spots.
Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP, brought a championship to the Bucks in 2020-21, and is still averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while shooting 63.9% from the field in his age-31 season. He’s still a top-five player in the sport, on a team that has a bottom-five roster without him on the floor. They’re 1-7 without him on the season, and the organization has already made several desperate, but failed, attempts to rebuild a title contender around him.
The verbiage of the reporting will continue to be echoed from whatever message the team or the player’s camp wants out there, but the beginning of the end seems to be here.
Teams like the Hawks, Heat, Knicks, Spurs, and Rockets have been floated out there as potential landing spots.
But is there a world where the Sixers could actually make a play in this type of blockbuster deal, and is this something they should actually pursue?
What a Sixers’ Trade Package for Giannis Could Actually Look Like
The full effects of the new NBA CBA are still being felt across the league. Trades have become more complex than ever before. To defer to Brian Toperek of Forbes.com for Antetokounmpo’s specifics:
“Antetokounmpo is earning $54.1 million this year, is owed nearly $58.5 million next year and has a $62.8 million player option in 2027-28. The Bucks are $17.2 million below the first apron, so they’re allowed to take back 125% of the salary that they send out in a trade, plus $250,000. However, teams above the first apron can’t take back more salary than they send out, which limits the types of packages that the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves and Boston Celtics could offer.”
Taking a peek at the Sixers’ salary cap outlook per Spotrac.com:
Milwaukee needs to take back a big contract in order to get rid of a big contract, and while I’m sure there is quite a rush to view this as an opportunity to get off the monstrous Joel Embiid number, the Bucks see the same concerns with Embiid as we all do. With his three-year, $188 million extension just starting next season, the reality is that he is currently a negative trade asset. The conversation must also start with what could interest Milwaukee, and this is certainly some sort of rebuilding package surrounding the necessary salary match. Players like VJ Edgecombe and/or Jared McCain may be enough to pique some interest, while Paul George is the obvious answer in the salary department. George likely will never live up to the max contract expectation his contract commands, but he is still a serviceable NBA player who can plug and play on any roster whenever he is available.
The Trade
Sixers Get:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks Get:
- Paul George
- VJ Edgecombe
- Jared McCain
- Clippers 2029 1st Round Pick
There is some sticker shock that comes with this type of trade, but there also is a world where this being the Sixers’ best offer does not match what the Bucks will see. The Hawks could theoretically use Jalen Johnson as their major trade piece, the Rockets have their choice of players like Alperen Şengün or Amen Thompson, and the Spurs have the choice of young guards like Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper, and De’Aaron Fox. But the circumstances are pretty unique surrounding Antetokounmpo’s outlook. Offering two potential young cornerstone pieces in Edgecombe and McCain, along with an extremely valuable Clippers’ draft pick, should at least open the door for conversation.
Would the Sixers Actually Do This? And why?
If one thing has been made clear about Daryl Morey’s theology when it comes to basketball, it is that he values stars to a borderline insane degree. It would be interesting to see if this thought-process has changed at all, given the recent postseason success of teams like the Indiana Pacers. But Morey has not been shy in expressing his belief in how the top percentile of NBA players impact winning at a rate well beyond the rest of the roster.
Giannis Antetokounmpo makes this cut no matter where you want to draw the line. A pairing of Tyrese Maxey’s lightning pace and deep shooting with the thunderous power and relentless competitiveness of Antetokounmpo would catapult the Sixers to the Eastern Conference favorite. If there is one internal factor that should motivate the Sixers to get active in this magnitude of talks, it’s that Tyrese Maxey continues to be ahead of schedule and is clearly ready to compete right now. If you want to look external, there really is not a single Eastern Conference team without some level of notable concern.
For the most part, this is an evaluation season for the Sixers. See how good the young players truly are and how compatible they are on the floor together, while monitoring if there is any legitimate belief that Joel Embiid could put a healthy stretch together. To some extent, the Sixers already made their bed and now must sleep in it. But if anyone is bold enough to try to shake up the covers, it just might be Daryl Morey.
Sean Barnard has covered the Philadelphia 76ers and general Philly Sports for over six years in a variety of roles and for multiple outlets. Currently works as a Content Writer for DraftKings Network, Sixers/NBA Insider for Philadelphia's Fox Sports the Gambler, and co-host of Sixers & Phillies Digest on Youtube. Forever Trusting the Process.