Tirese Makey has the 76ers on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s radar

As the NBA trade deadline approaches, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to draw interest across the league, with new reports pointing to Philadelphia 76ers are on his radar despite no direct trade talks between the teams.

According to Marc Stein and Jake Fisher of Stein Line, Antetokounmpo’s interest in Philly is attached to the prospect of playing together 76ers guard Tyrese McKay instead of any active front-office involvement with Milwaukee.

“League sources say Philadelphia has also not contacted Milwaukee about a possible Antetokounmpo deal after a better-than-expected first half,” Stein and Fischer wrote, “but The Stein Line has learned that the possibility of teaming up with Tyrese Makeie — who, like the 76ers, is on Antetokounmpo’s radar.”

Philadelphia’s absence from formal trade talks contrasts with the expanding field of teams linked to Antetokounmpo. The The New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors and Toronto Raptors have been identified by league insiders as active or aggressive suitors. ESPN also reported that The Minnesota Timberwolves have joined the sweepstakeswith Antetokounmpo interested in the possibility of pairing with Anthony Edwards.

Tirese Makey intrigue puts 76ers in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade discussion

The The San Antonio Spurs have been mentioned in league talk also, though multiple reports indicate the franchise doesn’t view Antetokounmpo as a fit with its Victor Wembanyama-centric long-term timeline.

In this context, the situation in Philadelphia is different. The 76ers aren’t making a trade package and haven’t hired Milwaukee, but Antetokounmpo’s interest appears to be rooted in Maxey’s emergence and their offseason workouts together rather than immediate front-office maneuvering.

Maxi, 25, is in the prime of his career. He is averaging 29.2 points, 6.8 assists, 4.2 rebounds and two steals while shooting 47% from the field, 38.6% from three-point range and 88.3% from the free throw line in 44 games. His production helped Philadelphia to a 25-21 record, good for sixth in the Eastern Conference standings.

The 76ers are currently riding high with a 139-122 win over the Bucks on Tuesday night and continue their three-game homestand on Thursday against the Sacramento Kings (12-36) at 7:00 PM ET.

Meanwhile, Milwaukee remains the focal point of the league as the deadline approaches. It remains unclear whether the Bucks will act now or let the market move into the offseason, but the growing list of interested teams — and now the intrigue of individual players — underscores the uncertainty surrounding Antetokounmpo’s future.