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ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts against the Atlanta Hawks during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena on January 19, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers have been a pleasant surprise so far this season. Right now, they sit fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. A big reason for that has been the giant leap that Tyrese Maxey has taken this season into superstardom.
Maxey will be an All-Star starter for the first time in his career. Joel Embiid has started to look like his old self over the last couple of weeks, as well. They might be inclined to make a big trade to take over a very unsettled Eastern Conference. There is no clear favorite.
NBA pundit Bill Simmons believes that the 76ers should reach out to the Bucks and ask about the availability of Giannis Antetokounmpo. He gives out a wild trade proposal that he believes would work for both teams.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks to pass the ball. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Wild Trade Proposal Sees 76ers Land Giannis Antetokounmpo
Here is the full trade proposal from Simmons:
Sixers receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Gary Harris
Bucks receive: V.J. Edgecombe, Paul George, 2029 first-round pick (better of Clippers and Sixers)
This would certainly change the landscape of the NBA. Antetokounmpo would be playing alongside both Maxey and Embiid, while the 76ers trade away their best young asset in Edgecombe. Edgecombe looks like he has All-Star potential already as a rookie.
If the Sixers did make this trade, it would be to go all-in right now on winning a championship in the next couple of seasons. Trading Edgecombe is punting on rebuilding the team around the backcourt and giving a vote of confidence in Embiid’s health moving forward.
Simmons isn’t even sure that the 76ers do this.
“I think they would probably not do this because they would be afraid of how mad the fan base would be, because the fan base has already decided, this is great. Maxey and V.J. Sign us up. We’re good.”
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers guard V.J. Edgecombe celebrates. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
The Sixers Might Stand Pat at the Trade Deadline
Unless the Sixers decide to make a big trade that includes shipping Paul George out of town, they might stand pat. They are finally starting to get healthy, and Maxey gives them a chance to win every game. So far this season, they have just the 15th-best offense in the league.
That is mainly a function of the health of the team. With George finally back in the lineup and Embiid playing big minutes again, the 76ers look like a very dangerous playoff team. Making a big trade is the only kind of trade that makes sense if they don’t decide to stand pat.
Antetokounmpo and the Bucks continue to slide, so his name will continue to pop up in trade rumors until they right the ship. Even if Antetokounmpo lasts the rest of the year in Milwaukee, there is a good chance that he asks out when the offseason rolls around.
Philly would have to be sure that he would re-sign with the team before trading Edgecombe.