The Bucks are 7-9 and sitting 6th in the East. Giannis Antetokounmpo set the tone in the preseason when he said, “I could be traded,” making it clear that loyalty isn’t guaranteed if the team isn’t competing for a title. Early in the season, after a loss to the Nets, Giannis doubled down, saying the Bucks lacked identity.
Fast forward to now, and not much has changed. The team is still outside the playoff picture, Damian Lillard’s offense hasn’t solved all their problems, and Khris Middleton’s health remains a mystery. The pressure is on, and the trade rumors surrounding Giannis are starting to bubble up.
Meanwhile, the 76ers’ season has been a disaster. They started without both Paul George and Joel Embiid, who were sidelined in the preseason due to injuries, leaving Tyrese Maxey to carry a roster that just isn’t good enough. Rookie Jared McCain stepped up when Maxey went down, but the team is still struggling at 3-12, stuck at the bottom of the East.
Embiid and George are back, but Maxey is still out, and the chemistry seems off. To make matters worse, reports say Maxey called out Embiid in a team meeting for consistently showing up late. With this much dysfunction on both sides, a trade like Giannis-for-Embiid could shake up the league—and maybe even save one of these teams.
Mock Trade
76ers receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks receive: Joel Embiid, 2028 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick (Clippers)
Let’s be real—Giannis is the more valuable player here. He’s way more durable, while Embiid’s injury history is always a question mark. That’s why the 76ers would need to throw in those extra first-round picks to sweeten the deal. Even with Embiid’s MVP skills, Giannis is the guy teams dream of building around.
Still, this trade couldn’t happen midseason because of Embiid’s contract extension. He signed a three-year, $193 million deal this summer, with a player option for 2028-29, and NBA rules say he can’t be traded until March 2025. So, this would have to wait until the offseason.
What Would The 76ers Say?
For the 76ers, the idea of swapping Joel Embiid for Giannis Antetokounmpo has to be tempting. Giannis is having another dominant season, averaging 32.4 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game while shooting an insane 61.4% from the field. He’s been consistent night in and night out, playing in 15 games so far this year, and remains one of the most durable superstars in the league. For a team like the 76ers that’s been plagued by inconsistency and injuries, that kind of reliability is pure gold.
Embiid, by comparison, has had a rough go this season. He’s only suited up for four games, averaging 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while shooting a brutal 37.9% from the field. It’s a small sample size, but even in those limited minutes, he hasn’t looked like the MVP-caliber player we saw in the last couple of seasons. With some underwhelming performances, Embiid’s start to the season has raised plenty of questions about how much he can carry the 76ers moving forward.
One thing the 76ers would have to consider is Giannis’ fit with their roster. Unlike Embiid, who commands a more traditional half-court offense built around post touches and mid-range jumpers, Giannis thrives in a faster-paced system. He’s lethal in transition, and his ability to attack the rim opens up opportunities for shooters. With players like Tyrese Maxey, Paul George (when healthy), and even Jared McCain showing promise, a Giannis-led offense might unlock a new level for this team.
There’s also the off-court aspect to think about. Giannis has been the face of the Bucks for nearly a decade, known for his work ethic and leadership. For a team that’s struggled to establish a winning culture, adding someone with Giannis’ mindset could make all the difference. While Embiid is a dominant player, his more laid-back attitude and recent conflicts with teammates might not inspire the same confidence in terms of long-term stability.
Then there’s the picks. Including two first-rounders in this trade might feel steep, but let’s be real—those picks won’t matter if Giannis takes the team to the Finals. The 76ers would be trading for a sure thing in Giannis, someone who has proven he can lead a team to a championship. The risk with Embiid is always his health; the risk with Giannis feels much smaller, and for a franchise desperate to win now, that’s a no-brainer.
Ultimately, it’s hard to imagine the 76ers passing up on this deal. As much as the city loves Embiid, the team hasn’t made it past the second round of the playoffs during his tenure. Adding Giannis would signal a new era—one where they wouldn’t just hope to contend, but fully expect to. If the goal is to win championships, this trade makes too much sense to ignore.
Would The Bucks Consider Trading Giannis?
The Bucks’ rough start to the season has fans questioning what’s next for the team, but trading Giannis Antetokounmpo? That feels like a stretch. Giannis is the heart and soul of this franchise, the guy who brought Milwaukee its first championship in 50 years. Even with the struggles, the idea of moving him seems like something the Bucks would only entertain if he demanded it—and so far, there’s no concrete sign he’s ready to do that.
What’s interesting, though, are the whispers starting to grow louder about teams keeping tabs on Giannis. Some reports have linked the Rockets or Thunder as potential suitors if things completely fall apart for the Bucks. Teams know Giannis hinted in the preseason that his commitment to Milwaukee hinges on their ability to remain competitive. If the losses pile up and the team doesn’t make serious changes, the league’s contenders will be circling like sharks.
For now, the Bucks aren’t panicking. They still believe in their duo of Giannis and Damian Lillard, but it hasn’t been smooth sailing. Lillard is struggling to find his rhythm, especially on defense, and Khris Middleton’s health remains a giant question mark. The team hoped Middleton’s return would solidify their core, but his limited availability has left them scrambling to find consistency on both ends of the floor.
The idea of bringing in Joel Embiid would shake things up, but it comes with major risks. Embiid’s injury history is a red flag, especially for a Bucks team that relies heavily on Giannis’s availability to stay competitive. Trading for Embiid could potentially leave Milwaukee in an even worse spot if he’s not able to stay on the court. The Bucks would be gambling their franchise on a player who has consistently missed time.
There’s also the matter of Giannis’s value. At 29 years old, he’s still in his prime and one of the most durable stars in the league. Embiid is undoubtedly a top-tier talent, but Giannis’s ability to stay healthy and deliver elite performances every season makes him the more valuable asset. Add to that the chemistry Giannis has with the Bucks organization and fanbase, and it’s hard to justify moving him—even for someone as skilled as Embiid.
Ultimately, the Bucks aren’t likely to pull the trigger on this trade. Their focus is still on competing this season and retooling around Giannis if necessary. Unless Giannis makes it clear he wants out, the Bucks would probably view this trade as too risky, even with draft picks involved. For Milwaukee, keeping their franchise cornerstone is the priority—especially when the alternatives come with so many unknowns.
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