Despite being viewed as a long shot in the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes, the Philadelphia 76ers could emerge with the strongest trade package ahead of this week’s NBA trade deadline, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Reports briefly linked rookie VJ Edgecombe to Antetokounmpo in trade speculation, but that idea was quickly dismissed, as the young guard remains a key piece of Philadelphia’s long-term plans.
However, should things change between now and this week’s deadline, Edgecombe could give the 76ers a legitimate edge in trade offers made to the Bucks for Antetokounmpo, per ESPN’s insiders.
“The 76ers might well decline to discuss Edgecombe in any trade package, given the strong start to the No. 3 pick’s career. They could opt to build around Edgecombe and Maxey as a long-term backcourt partnership,” the NBA insider wrote.
The 76ers package for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Apr 3, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) controls the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
A deal for Antetokounmpo built around Edgecombe, Paul George, a 2028 first-round pick, and a 2030 first-round pick would also push the 76ers below the luxury tax and create an open roster spot. That structure could further benefit Philadelphia given George’s upcoming 25-game suspension for violating the league’s anti drug policy, a factor that could strengthen the team’s proposal to Milwaukee.
“GM Daryl Morey has always chased after stars, and he might not turn down the chance to build a contender with, arguably, three of the best half-dozen players in the East. Assuming they maintain their health, Antetokounmpo, Maxey and Joel Embiid could lead Morey to his first Finals appearance — and the 76ers to their first conference finals since 2001.”
Jan 31, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) and guard Vj Edgecombe (77) look on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
VJ Edgecombe has already shown enough in his rookie season to convince Philadelphia that his long term outlook matters, which makes including him in any deal a serious dilemma. Giving up the third overall pick would be a steep price, even in a trade centered on a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo. That early promise explains why it is easy to see why the 76ers continue to view Edgecombe as a core piece rather than a trade chip.