76ers Not Pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo, Sources Say

Merlin sees the Giannis sweepstakes narrowing with Philadelphia largely off the map. Tony Jones reports "all is quiet" on a Sixers connection while Shams Charania says Milwaukee has received serious offers from Golden State, Minnesota and Miami as it seeks young blue-chip talent and draft capital. Paul George's 25-game suspension and his $54.1 million salary next season make him a tough piece to include, and the Sixers seem unlikely to part with rookie VJ Edgecombe. Philadelphia is on a five-game win streak and sits sixth in the East, and Joel Embiid told reporters he hopes the front office "would think about improving because I believe we have a chance." Merlin senses the club prefers keeping the current core of Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Edgecombe intact rather than breaking it up for a blockbuster.