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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on against the Atlanta Hawks during the first 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 are sitting in a playoff spot if the season were to end right now. Philly sits sixth in the Eastern Conference standings. They are finally starting to get healthy, and they have been one of the surprises in the NBA.
The Sixers do have several trade assets that the Bucks would feel comfortable getting back in a trade for Antetokounmpo. While the Sixers might end up trying to trade for Antetokounmpo, they have certain limits on what they will include in a trade.
V.J. Edgecombe was the third pick in last year’s draft, and he already looks like an All-Star talent. While the Sixers would very much like Antetokounmpo, they won’t include Edgecombe in any trade offers.
GettyPhiladelphia 76ers guard V.J. Edgecombe celebrates. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The 76ers View V.J. Edgecombe as untouchable in trade talks
According to Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports, Edgecombe will not be part of any trade discussions at the deadline. The Sixers are going to keep him for the long haul. He is clearly part of the foundation of the team for the next few years.
Edgecombe has already started to show traits of being a future All-NBA player. It seems that the Sixers are going to keep Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey for as long as possible. The 76ers seem committed to Joel Embiid as well, especially with how much money he makes.
Right now, Philly has the 15th-best net rating in the NBA. Any trade they make would be looking to bring them out of being a deeply average team. Joel Embiid hopes that the 76ers make a move, but it won’t be a move that involves Edgecombe under any circumstances.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo sits on the court. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The 76ers Might Not be Able to Land Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee is looking for young players and first-round draft picks in exchange for Antetokounmpo. While Philly has the draft picks that the Bucks want, they don’t have the young players that Milwaukee would be interested in without Edgecombe as part of the package.
Jared McCain is a young player who has had issues staying healthy, so he could be a player they decide to trade. The 76ers have done a good job of playing well without McCain in the lineup, especially with Paul George seemingly back to full health.
George might have to be in the trade if it is a big trade. He is owed $51.6 million, $54.1 million, and $56.5 million over the next three years. He would have to be involved in a trade if Philly is looking for a superstar that makes a lot of money, such as Antetokounmpo.
The Sixers could also make a smaller move around the margins to help fill in some depth, especially if they don’t end up staying healthy. Philly has a week to make these decisions before the deadline ends up passing. Daryl Morey isn’t afraid to make big trades if he has to, but he hasn’t made a big one in Philly yet.
Ryan Stano Ryan Stano covers the NBA for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano
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