Could the Philadelphia 76ers entertain trading away rookie V.J. Edgecombe this offseason? Bleacher Report believes so.
The Philadelphia 76ers can put together one of the most enticing trade packages for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
This is because of the $50+ million annual salary of Paul George combined with rookie phenom V.J. Edgecombe and draft capital. The big question is whether the 76ers' front office would be willing to move Edgecombe so soon, even if it is in exchange for a two-time MVP in Antetokounmpo.
Bleacher Report believes the answer is yes, naming the following deal as the "perfect" offseason trade for Philadelphia:
76ers Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks Receive: VJ Edgecombe, Paul George, 2026 first-round pick (projected No. 24 overall), 2030 first-round pick (unprotected), 2032 first-round pick (unprotected), 2028 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick (via Bucks), 2029 second-round pick, 2031 second-round pick
As previously mentioned, George is only included to match the three-year, $175 million contract Antetokounmpo is on. The real appeal of this trade for Milwaukee is Edgecombe and the plethora of picks.
Edgecombe is a freak of nature guard, who already seems destined to become an All-Star in the distant future. He is averaging 15.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists on 42.5% shooting in 61 games played for Philadelphia this season.
It's quite obvious why the 76ers agree to this trade, which is to compete for a championship with a 'Big Three' of Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Maxey, and Joel Embiid. The addition of the 10-time Bucks All-Star would instantly vault them among title favorites, as the 31-year-old is averaging 27.6 points on 62.4% shooting.
There is a major issue that remains even if Philadelphia does land Antetokounmpo: the health of Embiid. While a duo of Maxey and Antetokounmpo could undoubtedly make noise in the Eastern Conference, Embiid is the piece that would put this group over the hump.
He is struggling with injuries yet again this season, not appearing since Feb. 26 due to a right oblique strain.
Regardless of what blockbuster trade the 76ers are linked to in the coming months, the health of Embiid will remain the biggest obstacle to Philadelphia finding real success.
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