The days of the Sixers' star hunt have seemingly been over since the team completed its most recent Big 3 by signing Paul George to join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. In the NBA, as in life, the only constant is change.
As the Sixers approach the upcoming NBA trade deadline, the conversation has largely been about saving as much money as possible against the tax while retaining a competitive team. Backup center Andre Drummond and his expiring salary have been discussed in various trade talks, and Philadelphia has largely been looking at young, cost-controlled options for potential acquisitions.
Then, Giannis Antetokounmpo changed everything.
For the first time in the years of dancing around the idea of demanding a trade, it has been reported that Giannis expects to play for another team by the end of the trade deadline, as first reported by ESPN's Shams Charania.
A brief trade suggestion from The Ringer had a moment in the spotlight, connecting Giannis to Philadelphia through nothing but sheer speculation, but now, there has been a tangible report connecting the two.
In a recent Giannis-centric report from the Stein Line's Jake Fischer, the first dots potentially connecting Giannis and the Sixers have been drawn.
"League sources say Philadelphia, furthermore, has not contacted Milwaukee about a possible Antetokounmpo deal in the wake of a better-than-expected first half," Fischer wrote. "But The Stein Line has learned that the prospect of teaming up with Tyrese Maxey — who, like Giannis, works with prominent NBA trainer Drew Hanlen — does have the 76ers on Antetokounmpo's radar."
Taking the news line by line, it's worth cooling down one's engines first as Fischer mentions the Sixers have not contacted the Bucks as of now. Now, is this because they don't want Giannis? Not inherently. Daryl Morey has a track record of working closer to the deadline and also making every potential call, even if he doesn't follow up on it.
It's highly likely Philadelphia has not yet contacted Milwaukee, as opposed to the idea that they will not. Morey famously has tried to acquire LeBron James and Kevin Durant for Philadelphia at the deadline previously; what's one more all-time great?
Regardless of whether a deal ever comes close, it would be reasonable to expect a conversation at some point, even if it doesn't reach very far.
Now, onto the second portion of the report.
Before anything else, how about a nice round of applause for Tyrese Maxey?
For decades, Sixers fans have wanted a star who attracted other top-tier talents. For all that Joel Embiid has accomplished, including his role in recruiting Paul George—which was far more crucial than many give him credit for—Embiid has not been the recruiter fans have wanted over the years.
Maxey, simply by being himself, has not only endeared himself to his teammates and the local fanbase but is now seeing NBA stars desire to play alongside him. The Drew Halen connection that Fischer mentions is certainly an important connective piece, but Joel Embiid and Kyle Oubre also work with Hanlen, and they are not specified as reasons Giannis would consider Philadelphia.
Only Tyrese, "The Franchise," and, regardless of where Giannis lands, the notoriety Maxey has received around the league, as also evidenced by his being voted an All-Star starter, should be acknowledged.
As for what a Giannis trade would cost the Sixers, Paul George, who would be the primary matching salary, though he has been worth far more than that this season. Philadelphia would need to include multiple first-round picks, including at least one of the upcoming Clippers picks, and finally, the "blue chip" prospect Milwaukee is seeking, which Daryl Morey would likely try to convince them is Jared McCain, while they would almost certainly demand star rookie VJ Edgecombe.
Whether or not the Sixers would deal Edgecombe remains to be seen. Giannis is an all-time talent. It is extremely unlikely that Edgecombe reaches anywhere near even Giannis' current level at any point in his career, but such a decision still has its own repercussions, especially from a fit and personality perspective, but we'll evaluate potential deals another day.
For now, it's an interesting note and the NBA's biggest story, and we will continue to update you as the story unfolds.
