It’s no secret that Daryl Morey becomes a big spender when there is a big star hitting the market. He doesn’t always land the big fish, but he’s typically in the mix.
The Philadelphia 76ers don’t seem like a likely landing spot for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the Greek Freak is reportedly on their radar.
The Stein Line’s Jake Fischer and Marc Stein recently broke down the Giannis market, which became headlines on Wednesday as it was reported that the superstar forward is open to a new home.
The frequent suitors were linked to the superstar, including the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo
David Banks-Imagn Images
What About the 76ers?
Here’s an interesting conclusion to the detailed report from The Stein Line: “League sources say Philadelphia, furthermore, has not contacted Milwaukee about a possible Antetokounmpo deal in the wake of a better-than-expected first half, 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.”
The Sixers are doing well with their current roster, which employs three maxed out stars in Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George. All seems well for Embiid, who has struggled with knee concerns over the past two years.
George isn’t living up to the contract numbers, but he’s been a solid complementary piece. The Sixers aren’t in desperate need of a shakeup, but Giannis just might be worth making the call for Morey.
Don’t Do It Unless You’re Sure
Daryl Morey must’ve learned his lesson the first time when he arrived in Philadelphia. Not even a few months in, Morey was working the phones with the Houston Rockets, looking to ship out a franchise player in Ben Simmons for James Harden. The deal didn’t go through, and the relationship between Simmons and Morey was never solid.
Is Joel Embiid a player the Bucks might demand? If that’s the case, then Morey and the Sixers can’t go down that route unless they are sure. The same can be said about the young star, VJ Edgecombe, who might be more valuable in the eyes of the Bucks, since they want to go younger.
The chances of the Sixers jumping a team like the Warriors, Knicks, or Heat to land Giannis are slim. But if Morey does decide to pick up the phone to talk shop with Milwaukee, he’ll have to tread lightly.
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