Giannis Could Join 76ers With Maxey and Embiid

Merlin sees Giannis Antetokounmpo on Philadelphia’s radar if Milwaukee opens the door. Marc Stein and Jake Fischer report "the prospect of teaming up with Tyrese Maxey... does have the 76ers on Antetokounmpo's radar." ESPN also said Giannis is "ready for a new home" and the Bucks are "starting to listen." A trade is tangled by Giannis' $54 million salary, meaning Philly would likely have to move Joel Embiid or Paul George or involve extra teams to match money before the Feb. 5 deadline. Merlin keeps it plain for the high school fan: pairing Giannis with Maxey and Embiid would instantly make the Sixers a title threat if health holds. Front offices expect three or four team deals and names like Brooklyn, Charlotte and Utah as salary partners. Philly must weigh immediate star power against losing young pieces and future draft capital.