The Houston Rockets, after losing in the first round to the Golden State Warriors, are expected to be at the center of the NBA world this offseason. With plenty of depth pieces, young talent, and draft capital, they are poised to trade for a superstar.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant stand out as their two best, most realistic options, and the Rockets’ front office will likely spend plenty of time debating which player fits in best with their core.
Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends against Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) at Footprint Center. © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
On paper, a starting lineup of Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, Giannis, and Alperen Sengun is better on both ends of the floor than the same lineup with Durant, although Rockets fans will have to confront an unfortunate reality.
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The Bucks, if they openly shop one of the top three players in the world, could demand back either Sengun or Thompson to build around. The Dallas Mavericks trading away Luka Doncic made fans forget just how expensive superstars can be.
NBA insider Brett Siegel weighed in:
Swapping their focus to the Phoenix Suns might be the better call for the Rockets. By parting ways with players like Jalen Green, Cam Whitmore, and perhaps even Reed Sheppard (as well as draft picks), the Rockets could largely keep their core intact while adding Durant.
Chasing an MVP finalist in Giannis sounds great on paper, but a trade with the Suns is simply more realistic, especially if the Rockets decide to hold onto both Sengun and Thompson, which the Bucks might not stand for.
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