Despite the Philadelphia 76ers coming off a nightmarish 24-win season, there’s lingering optimism that they can bounce back and contend in the Eastern Conference next year. If all goes well, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley envisions a path for them to pursue Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and form an imposing Big 3.
Injuries took center stage for Philadelphia in the 2024-25 campaign. The star trio of Joel Embiid (knee), Tyrese Maxey (finger), and Paul George (knee), along with rookie standout Jared McCain (knee), all went down early. However, before that, the franchise enjoyed seven straight winning seasons in the Embiid era, suggesting that improved health could make it a legitimate threat in the weakened East again.
NBA Analyst Outlines Blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Sending Paul George to Milwaukee
In his Wednesday article titled “Trade Packages and Landing Spots for Every NBA Team’s Best Asset,” Buckley identified McCain as Philadelphia’s top bargaining piece. After acknowledging the team’s “wide range of possible outcomes,” the writer noted that if Embiid returns close to his 2023 MVP form, the 76ers could take a bold swing.
Buckley proposed a deal shipping McCain, the final three years of George’s four-year, $211,584,940 contract, and draft capital to Milwaukee in exchange for Antetokounmpo.
Proposed Trade
76ers Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks Receive: Paul George, Jared McCain, 2028 first-round pick (via LAC), 2030 first-round pick, 2032 first-round pick
While Buckley conceded the trade might seem shortsighted, he argued that the potential of an Embiid–Antetokounmpo frontcourt pairing, with Maxey running the point, may be too enticing to pass up.
“If Embiid is flashing MVP form, maybe that’s reason for Daryl Morey and Co. to throw caution to the wind and try capitalizing on whatever remains of the big fella’s prime,” Buckley wrote.
“Losing McCain, the biggest breakout of the 2024 draft class despite having his rookie year cut short, would sting a lot and maybe qualify as full-on reckless if he was attached to these picks, but a clean bill of health may be all that an Embiid-Antetokounmpo-Maxey trio would need to take over the NBA.”
Bucks May Be Reluctant To Take Back George’s Massive Salary in Antetokounmpo Trade
While adding a top-three-caliber player could elevate Philadelphia to the top of the East, Milwaukee likely wouldn’t be too enthused about absorbing George’s contract. If Antetokounmpo is made available, the Bucks should have numerous suitors lined up to offer them young talent and draft picks.
With George being 35 and coming off his lowest-scoring season (16.2 points per game) in a decade, his remaining salary could be deemed dead weight. That may prompt Milwaukee to look elsewhere despite the organization’s clear-cut need for a high-upside backcourt prospect like McCain after parting ways with injured star Damian Lillard (Achilles).
Wishful thinking. This article is ridiculous.