The 76ers appear unwilling to move their young star.
As the NBA trade deadline approaches, much of the league's buzz has centered around Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, and for good reasons. The two-time MVP remains one of the best players in the league despite dealing with several injuries.
‘ESPN NBA Insider Shams Charania reported on Wednesday that the Bucks star is ready to move by the Feb. 5 deadline or in the offseason, with several suitors expected to make aggressive offers for his services.
The 76ers, who are quietly putting together a solid season with a 26-21 record following their win over the Sacramento Kings, do not appear to be directly in the mix, at least not in a way that would compromise one of their most important young assets.
According to Philly Sports' Kyle Neubeck, a league source shot down the idea of the 76ers including rookie V.J. Edgecombe in any trade discussions.
"Spoke to a league source this morning who entirely shot down the idea that the Sixers would trade VJ Edgecombe in any move, including in speculative deals people are talking about for Giannis," Neubeck wrote. "Should go without saying, but he's part of the foundation in Philly."
Edgecombe has been one of the biggest surprises in the 2025 rookie class. The No. 3 pick is averaging 15.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists on 42.6% shooting from the field and 36.9% behind the arc. He has quickly emerged as the team's starting shooting guard and has been the ideal backcourt mate alongside Tyrese Maxey.
It remains to be seen if the Sixers will ultimately pursue a blockbuster deal that would bring the Greek Freak to Philly. Jake Fischer revealed that Antetokounmpo is intrigued with the prospect of playing with Tyrese Maxey.
Any trade for Antetokounmpo would require a massive haul of assets and would tip the scale of power in the NBA.
What is certain, however, is that Edgecombe has established himself as a pivotal building block for the 76ers this season, one that the franchise appears unwilling to move, even for a superstar of Antetokounmpo's caliber.
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