The Philadelphia 76ers could be among teams that attempt to trade for a superstar potentially available this offseason.
The Philadelphia 76ers' season is falling apart due to injuries.
For Thursday's game against the Detroit Pistons, the 76ers are without Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, Paul George, Kelly Oubre Jr., and potentially Adem Bona.
It may be time for Sixers fans to turn their attention to the offseason, as the outlook is potentially more exciting. Philadelphia has a handful of important free agents, but the trade market is where things get interesting.
Bleacher Report linked the 76ers to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, listing him as a top three trade target for Philadelphia.
No one can say for sure Antetokounmpo will even be traded this summer. However, the Bucks are sitting outside the Play-In Tournament as the No. 11 seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 27-37. If there's one point the 10-time All-Star has made abundantly clear, it's that he's looking to win championships.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. © Jeff Hanisch-Imagn ImagesThe 76ers actually have one of the best trade packages for the 31-year-old because of guard V.J. Edgecombe, who is having a great rookie campaign in Philadelphia. He is averaging 15.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists on 42.8% shooting and 35.8% shooting from three-point range in 58 games played.
If Antetokounmpo is made available this offseason, the question the 76ers' front office will be forced to answer is: Is Antetokounmpo worth sacrificing the future of the organization?
A 'Big Three' of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Antetokounmpo would instantly vault the 76ers among championship favorites, but the same problem still remains. Can Joel Embiid stay healthy? A duo of Maxey and Antetokounmpo could certainly make noise on their own, but Embiid would be the piece pushing them over the hump.
Not to mention, losing Edgecombe would infuriate the fanbase even if it were to land Antetokounmpo.
While the idea of acquiring Antetokounmpo sounds nice, Philadelphia should likely focus on building around the backcourt of Maxey and Edgecombe.
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