These days, it would be hard to imagine that any hypothetical trade scenario that sends a star player to the Milwaukee Bucks wouldn’t net Giannis Antetokounmpo in return.
One trade idea between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Bucks proposed by The Score’s Sam Oshtry would be sure to rile up Philadelphia as they make the unexpected deal for a Bucks package without Giannis.
What’s The Deal?
In this case, the Sixers would pick up Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, and Bobby Portis.
Embiid would be the only outgoing piece.
“We’re sending Joel Embiid to the Bucks, but it ’s not for who you think it is. It’s not for Giannis. It’s for Myles Turner, you get a good center for the next few years, and Kyle Kuzma, and Bobby Portis are coming back.
Both are going to be on expiring deals next year, so you’ll clear their cap room. Everybody thinks that the Bucks are going to completely tear this thing down, but they don’t control their pick in the 2027 draft. So, they might get a haul for Giannis, and also be like, let’s risk this thing and kind of go all-in for Joel Embiid for the next couple of years.” via 97.5 The Fanatic
Bucks Receive: Joel Embiid
Sixers Receive: Myles Turner, Kyle Kuzma, and Bobby Portis
📸: Emilee Chinn and Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Myles Turner is the key return in the deal. The 30-year-old would bring three more years of a four-year, $108.8 million deal. He is set to make $26.5 million next season, and the final year would be a $29.1 million player option.
In 71 games with the Bucks, Turner averaged 11.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. It was a down year compared to his 10-year run with the Indiana Pacers. Before inking that contract, Turner turned in a season with averages of 15.6 points and 6.5 rebounds.
Kyle Kuzma has struggled to be a valuable complementary piece in Milwaukee, while Portis is a quality front-court reserve who brings solid veteran leadership to the table.
Should The Sixers Actually Consider This Deal?
Joel Embiid’s injury history is concerning. The fact that he’s just starting a major extension at 32 doesn’t make that fact any better. But when healthy, Embiid is of the same caliber as Giannis Antetokounmpo.
If the Sixers aren’t getting Giannis back in an Embiid-centric trade with the Bucks, then the organization would certainly lose total support of the fan base. If you think the frustration with the Jared McCain deal has been over-the-top, this type of package would take it to new levels.
If this is the only type of deal that Embiid would demand at this point, the 76ers are better off banking on his health holding up in the playoffs at some point, and riding it out with him until the end.