With Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially hitting the trade block, every NBA team would be wise to inquire.
While most teams are unlikely to land interest from Antetokounmpo, who is expected to have a say in his next destination if traded, it won’t hurt to try.
If the Houston Rockets land on a shortlist of desired destinations for Antetokounmpo, ESPN put together a package that could work in a two-team deal.
How Could Giannis Get to Houston?
In this mock scenario, the Rockets would part ways with a 2027 first-round pick (via Suns), the injured guard Fred VanVleet, and the star center Alperen Sengun.
In return, the Rockets would pick up the Antetokounmpo combo of Giannis and Thanasis.
“For Milwaukee, Sengun represents the best player it could realistically acquire in a trade: a 23-year-old offensive center who should make his second All-Star team this season,” writes ESPN’s Zach Kram.
“Partnering with Ryan Rollins in Milwaukee, Sengun would serve as the foremost building player for the next era of the Bucks, who they need given their lack of first-round picks in upcoming drafts.”
The New York Knicks seem to be the number one destination for Antetokounmpo. If he has any desire to compete in a difficult Western Conference, the Rockets are worth his consideration.
Last year, the Rockets finished the regular season with a 52-30 record, which placed them in the second seed, behind the dominant Oklahoma City Thunder.
Due to a lack of postseason experience, the Rockets couldn’t make it very far in the playoffs. That led to Houston adding Kevin Durant over the summer.
So far, the Rockets are off to a decent start. With a 15-5 record, they are once again in second place, trailing the 22-1 Thunder. They are surely contenders—something that Giannis hoped Milwaukee would be.
With a slow start to the 2025-2026 NBA season, the Bucks are failing to live up to their star’s expectations.
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