The Milwaukee Bucks appear to be running out of ways to sell Giannis Antetokounmpo on the franchise’s current direction. With the 31-year-old star showing visible frustration as the team continues to slide, a change could be looming as questions grow about whether his future still aligns with Milwaukee’s path forward.
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
NBA analyst Bill Simmons argued that the 76ers should explore a call to Milwaukee to check on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s status, laying out a bold trade idea he feels could make sense for both sides.
Simmons’ full proposal would send Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Harris to Philadelphia, while Milwaukee would receive V.J. Edgecombe, Paul George, and a 2029 first-round pick, with the selection coming from the better of the Clippers’ or Sixers’ pick.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s fit with the 76ers
Apr 3, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks on before the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
The deal would place Antetokounmpo alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, while the 76ers would part with their top young piece in V.J. Edgecombe. Even as a rookie, Edgecombe already shows signs of All-Star potential.
If Philadelphia pursued this deal, it would signal a full commitment to chasing a championship in the short term. Moving Edgecombe would shift the focus away from a long-term rebuild around the backcourt and place significant confidence in Joel Embiid’s ability to stay healthy in the years ahead.
Oct 26, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks to shoot agasint Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Unless Philadelphia pulls the trigger on a major move that includes sending Paul George elsewhere, the team may choose to stand pat. With the roster finally getting healthier, Tyrese Maxey continues to give them a chance to compete nightly, though the Sixers currently rank just 15th in the league in offensive efficiency.
With the Bucks still trending in the wrong direction, Antetokounmpo’s name is unlikely to disappear from trade discussions anytime soon. Even if he remains in Milwaukee through the end of the season, the odds appear high that his future becomes a major talking point again once the offseason arrives.