The Houston Rockets are trending in the right direction but they could leave the earth’s orbit with a major offseason trade. It’s one of the worst-kept secrets in the NBA. With that being said, The Athletic’s latest intel —provided by Kelly Iko and Sam Amick —makes it clear who the Rockets have locked in on: Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Rockets Enamored With Idea Of Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade
The Rockets are hesitant about trading for Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant because he’s already 36 years old. They “previously held serious interest” in his teammate, Devin Booker, “but team sources said that is no longer the case.” Then there’s New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, whom Houston sees as “too risky.”
“Not only do team officials still have faith in Jalen Green, who is five years younger than Booker and $66 million cheaper over the next three seasons, but also Booker’s struggles last season shifted the thinking on this front.”
Those doors are now presumably closed, but “of all the possibilities this summer might bring, the idea of the “Greek Freak” donning a Rockets jersey is seen as the most intriguing within the organization.”
For the uninitiated, the “Greek Freak” refers to Antetokounmpo.
It Won’t Be Easy
Like Durant, Antetokounmpo is one of the NBA’s real superstar players. At 30 years old, he’s already a nine-time All-Star, eight-time All-NBA selection, and five-time All-Defensive selection. Even more impressive, he’s a two-time NBA MVP (2019, 2020) who’s won the Most Improved Player (2017) and Defensive Player of the Year (2020) awards.
So as Iko and Amick note, acquiring Antetokounmpo would come at a high cost.
The Rockets would likely have to be willing to trade not only Jalen Green —who they’re prioritizing over Booker —but the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. More than that even, with Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun just two other players Milwaukee could have interest in. However, if the Bucks do decide to move Antetokounmpo, it’ll be because he asked to be traded. Furthermore, they’ll prioritize getting the best deal possible.
That doesn’t necessarily favor Houston.
Should Antetokounmpo go to the highest bidder, he could theoretically be sent to the Suns himself. The Dallas Mavericks have already attempted to land him once and could again now that they have the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. Frankly, it’s hard not to see all 29 other teams pushing their chips to the middle. Perhaps they won’t go all-in, but many suitors will definitely give the Rockets stiff competition.
What If?
If the Rockets were to trade for Antetokounmpo (say for a package that included Green, Thompson, and the 2025 No. 10 pick), Houston would then have two more-or-less reliable go-to scorers in the starting lineup with him and Alperen Sengun. Antetokounmpo is also a more savvy and seasoned playmaker than Green. Lastly, he’s one of the few players who can replicate Thompson’s dynamic defense.
From a value standpoint, it’s a fair deal.
There are flaws to Antetokounmpo’s game, namely his 3-point shooting. However, Antetokounmpo will essentially be a Super Saiyan version of Thompson, who emerged as a starter this season. Thus, figuring out the floor balance comes down to who replaces the streaky Green. Ideally, said player will be more efficient and heady but need the ball in their hands less, especially when considering Sengun’s role.
The post West Team Enamored With Idea Of Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.