76ers Refuse Trading VJ Edgecombe For Giannis Antetokounmpo

Merlin sees Philadelphia is unlikely to include rookie VJ Edgecombe in any Giannis Antetokounmpo offer. One league source "completely shot down" the idea, even as reports say Giannis is intrigued by playing with Tyrese Maxey. Edgecombe is averaging 15.1 points, 36.9 percent from three, 5.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals in 43 starts and could have up to three years left on his rookie deal. Merlin notes Daryl Morey loves chasing stars, but trading a 20-year-old on a cost controlled contract is a steep price when Joel Embiid and Paul George are the team's top earners and Giannis has battled multiple calf problems. With the Sixers climbing to 26-21 and boasting a young backcourt of Maxey and Edgecombe, Philadelphia looks more inclined to build than to gamble away its future.