There have been rumors that Giannis Antetokounmpo could leave the Milwaukee Bucks over the summer. After a third-straight first-round exit in the NBA playoffs, many believe Antetokounmpo will look to have success somewhere else. One trade idea showed the Greek Freak getting traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Unlike the Bucks, the Sixers had an even worse 2024-25 season. The Philly team was filled with injuries to their star players. Center Joel Embiid only played 19 games because of his constant knee issues, and All-Star Paul George was limited to 41 games.
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Due to their lack of success, there have been hypothetical trades to improve their roster. One trade idea showed a package of George, Jared McCain and four first-round picks for Antetokounmpo.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo looks to shoot against Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum.Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
However, the idea of pairing the one-time champion with the 2023 MVP didn’t sit right with Gabe Neitzel. During his show for ESPN Milwaukee, Neitzel shut down the idea of sending Antetokounmpo to Philly for George.
“Guess what, you’re not getting Giannis on a discount,” Neitzel said. “You’re not gonna get Giannis for your discarded scrap heap Paul George crap of a contract. Ain’t happening.”
The nine-time All-Star left the Los Angeles Clippers to join the Sixers in 2024. He signed a four-year, $211 million contract. In the first year of his deal, though, George showed significant struggle in performing at a high level due to knee issues.
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While George is still considered by many as a star, he didn’t play like one last year. In his first campaign with the Sixers, the 6-foot-8 forward posted one of the worst numbers of his career since he became an All-Star.
The former Indiana Pacers star averaged 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists.