With various NBA teams interested in landing Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks in some epic trade before the deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers may not have a shot.
Trade speculation has circulated for weeks about the “Greek Freak,” with a handful of teams mentioned in potential deals to acquire the former NBA Most Valuable Player, multiple-time All-Star, and champion. Philadelphia is a team that has been part of various trade rumors as it looks to improve its roster.
That includes some speculating that they would send their rookie, V.J. Edgecombe, over to the Bucks as part of a potential deal. Edgecome, a 6-foot-5 guard from Baylor, was the third overall pick by a Sixers team looking to regain its success and get back into the playoff hunt in the Eastern Conference.
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On Wednesday, PHLY’s Sixers reporter, Kyle Neubeck, shared that he’d spoken to a league source who said Philadelphia would not include rookie V.J. Edgecombe in any potential trades the team would offer to the Bucks. Neubeck also stated in his X report that Edgecombe is part of the foundation for this Philadelphia team moving forward.
According to Bleacher Report on Thursday, NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported that Giannis was intrigued by the idea of playing on the same team as Tyrese Maxey.
Much like his draft spot, Edgecombe is also No. 3 in the NBA's recent rookie rankings, behind only the Dallas Mavericks' Cooper Flagg and Charlotte Hornets' Kon Knueppel.
The Sixers’ rookie is currently averaging 15.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Philadelphia is currently sixth in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 21-16.
Edgecombe, a starter for Philly, played 35 minutes Thursday night in the team's win over the Sacramento Kings 113-111. Having him alongside Maxey in the backcourt, with veteran stars Paul George and Joel Embiid, seems to give the 76ers a potent lineup as Edgecombe continues to develop as a pro.
He's among the nine rookies participating in the Castrol Rising Stars Game event as part of the NBA All-Star Weekend. Vince Carter drafted Edgecombe first overall for Team Vince, which will take on Carmelo Anthony's Team Melo and Tracy McGrady's Team T-Mac in a mini-tournament.
Meanwhile, as Giannis recovers from injury, trade speculation continues, and a recent Kalshi News report suggested the strongest odds are for Giannis to remain with his current team. However, the Golden State Warriors have the second-best odds as a potential new destination for the Greek Freak, followed by the Miami Heat, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
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