NBA Rumors on VJ Edgecombe's Status in Giannis Trade Talks amid 76ers, Bucks Links
If the Philadelphia 76ers are going to get in on the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade sweepstakes, their offers reportedly won't include rookie standout VJ Edgecombe.
Per Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports, one person in the league "completely shot down" the idea of Edgecombe being included in potential offers for anyone, including Antetokounmpo.
This comes on the heels of NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reporting on Thursday that Antetokounmpo is intrigued by the possibility of playing alongside Tyrese Maxey.
Given Daryl Morey's history of chasing superstar players, it won't be a surprise if the 76ers end up being a serious suitor for Antetokounmpo.
Even in that scenario, though, it's hard to fathom a deal making it worth it for the 76ers to move Edgecombe. The rookie guard has shown tremendous potential just over halfway through his debut season in the NBA.
Edgecombe is averaging 15.1 points on 36.9 percent three-point shooting, 5.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game in 43 starts. He could also have three more years on his rookie deal if the Sixers exercise both of their club options.
When you also consider that Philadelphia's two highest-paid players right now are 35-year-old Paul George and 31-year-old Joel Embiid, trading a 20-year-old on a cost-controlled contract would be sacrificing a potentially long runway of contention.
The 76ers have arguably the best young backcourt duo in the NBA with Edgecombe and Maxey both being under the age of 26. Maxey is already an All-Star and Edgecombe certainly looks like he is trending to be on that path.
Antetokounmpo, while still a great player, is starting to rack up a lot of injuries. He is currently out of action due to a strained calf, marking at least the fourth calf injury he has suffered since the start of the 2024-25 season.
In addition to the upside that Edgecombe possesses, the 76ers are slowly climbing up the Eastern Conference standings with Embiid healthy and playing close to peak form.
The Sixers are currently sixth in the East with a 26-21 record. They have already surpassed their win total from the entire 2024-25 season (24-58).
