Report: Teaming Up With Maxey Puts 76ers on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Radar

Could Giannis Antetokounmpo get traded to the Philadelphia 76ers at this season’s NBA trade deadline? According to recent reporting by Jake Fischer and Marc Stein, the two-time MVP is intrigued by the prospect of teaming up with Tyrese Maxey and has the Sixers “on his radar.” Their reporting also includes that Philadelphia has not contacted the Milwaukee Bucks about a potential Antetokounmpo deal.

Among our many items: Philadelphia has not contacted Milwaukee about a possible Antetokounmpo deal, but sources say the prospect of teaming up with Tyrese Maxey — who, like Giannis, works with prominent NBA trainer Drew Hanlen — does have the 76ers on Antetokounmpo’s radar. https://t.co/4fO8BiZ0tn

— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) January 29, 2026

The path towards any potential deal between the Sixers and Bucks remains murky at best. Philadelphia would have to, at minimum, send out either Joel Embiid or Paul George in order to match Antetokounmpo’s $54.1 million salary. The Bucks would also ask for a boatload of draft capital and young players in addition to Embiid or George. Milwaukee, according to one general manager who spoke with Fischer, is “asking for the moon. All of your young players and all of your draft picks.” For Philadelphia, that would lead to any trade package certainly including standout rookie V.J. Edgecombe, Jared McCain and the Los Angeles Clippers’ unprotected 2028 first-round pick.

Antetokounmpo is averaging 28.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists this season. He remains one of the league’s most dominant players. However, mortgaging both the future and any semblance of roster depth to acquire the 31-year old is a lot to ask for any team. According to Fischer and Stein’s reporting, the Sixers have yet to reach out to Milwaukee about a potential deal. Both the immense cost and focus on building a future around Maxey and Edgecombe are likely the reason behind the Sixers’ reported lack of communication about an Antetokounmpo trade.

While the Sixers do not appear interested in acquiring Antetokounmpo, his interest in pairing up with Maxey is notable. Players around the league are taking notice of Maxey’s rise to stardom. Maxey, who recently was named to his second All-Star team, having enough star power to prompt other top players to come to Philadelphia is perhaps the biggest takeaway from Fischer and Stein’s reporting. That star power does not seem likely to bear fruit in this case. As the Sixers turn towards the future, Maxey’s star power and leverage could prove crucial over the next few years.