The Milwaukee Bucks may be near the end of their rope trying to convince Giannis Antetokounmpo to remain with the Eastern Conference franchise.
With the 31 year old NBA star clearly disgruntled by the direction the Bucks have gone in, it could very well be time for a change as he continues his career.
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The RInger’s Bill Simmons proposed a wild trade with another Eastern Conference team this week, the Philadelphia 76ers. However, in his hypothetical deal it would send Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe back to Milwaukee in exchange for Antetokounmpo.
Giannis for V.J. Edgecombe? 🤔@BillSimmons is back with fake Giannis trades, and asks @ChrisRyan77 if he'd trade V.J. Edgecombe for the disgruntled star. pic.twitter.com/Yng6aJ0IO5
— The Ringer (@ringer) January 23, 2026
This season, Edgecombe has quickly become a massive part of Philly’s success during his rookie campaign. The former Baylor standout is currently averaging over 15 points and five rebounds per night with Philly.
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However, even more importantly, Edgecombe is building a strong relationship in the backcourt with NBA MVP candidate Tyrese Maxey.
"We're not playing hard. We're not playing to win. We're not playing together. Our chemistry's not there. Guys are being selfish…Guys trying to do it on their own.”
— Giannis
(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)
pic.twitter.com/qT3BSQns4S
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 22, 2026
The Bucks would clearly want a host of NBA Draft picks or young players to build around if they do move Giannis Antetokounmpo. But for the 76ers it would likely to justify a trade scenario like Simmons proposes given how impressive Edgecombe has been in Year 1.
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Antetokounmpo is a 10-time All-Star and two-time league MVP after spending his entire pro career with the Bucks. He’s certainly meant a lot to the franchise, but as the trade deadline looms a move could be in the cards.
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