Latest Report Eliminates Philadelphia 76ers As Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Destination

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey has blossomed into the team's No. 1 option this season with Joel Embiid and Paul George missing a significant number of games.

Unfortunately, Maxey's career year happens to eliminate the 76ers as a landing spot for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to the latest report from Bleacher Report.

B/R's Eric Pincus claims some are suggesting Antetokounmpo doesn't want to play alongside another ball-dominant guard.

"Still, some suggest Antetokounmpo doesn't want to play with a ball-dominant lead guard, preferring to be the primary engine driving his team's offense," Pincus wrote. "([Jrue] Holiday and [Khris] Middleton were comfortable playing without the ball around Antetokounmpo)."

Antetokounmpo spent two seasons alongside a ball-dominant guard in Damian Lillard, but the duo produced poor results in the postseason. This could absolutely be part of the motivation for the 10-time All-Star wanting to avoid a similar situation.

Not only is Philadelphia home to Maxey, but also superstar center Joel Embiid, who demands the ball quite a bit as well. On the 76ers, Antetokounmpo would be competing for touches with two other ball-dominant players. 

There is a silver lining for Sixers fans, as Pincus also reported that "There's some buzz in the NBA that Antetokounmpo prefers the East Coast, which is closer to Greece (both by flight and, perhaps more importantly, time zone)."

Philadelphia matches this preference.

The positive news for the 76ers is they're not in a position where they need to go all-in for Antetokounmpo. Instead, the front office can continue building out the roster around the young backcourt of Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe while remaining competitive with Embiid and Paul George in the mix.

If Philadelphia does opt to go star hunting this offseason, Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard could become a name to watch, as the 76ers were linked to him prior to the trade deadline.

Now more than ever, it seems unlikely Antetokounmpo ends up in a 76ers uniform this summer.

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