Amen Thompson is too high a price to pay even for Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Rockets' struggles to build a proper championship contender this season have sparked trade rumors and Amen Thompson is a name that comes up often. He's seen as a blue-chip trade prospect that could be the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade package, even for someone like Giannis Antetokounmpo that coudl take the Rockets to the next level. But Thompson's own growth and continued development point to a different reality: he's a core piece of Houston's future that's not worth sacrificing.

The Rockets need to build around Amen Thompson rather than trade him

With Giannis looming as a white whale trade target this summer, every potential suitor must understand that they'll need to give up a huge package for his services. Giannis is still a top 5 player in the world when healthy and prying him from the only NBA franchise he's ever known will take a lot. But the Rockets do have an opportunity to put together a worthy offer if they include Thompson.

In fact, Bucks fans are already getting eager at the thought of starting their post-Giannis rebuild with Amen Thompson as the centerpiece. His versatile skillset and incredible physical skills, combined with impressive production at just age 23, make him an intriguing target for Milwaukee. With all that considered, it begs the question: would the Rockets regret trading Amen Thompson for Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Thompson is obviously much younger compared to the 31-year-old Giannis, and has been much healthier this season. Giannis' frequent injuries have contributed greatly to the Bucks' struggles, and the Rockets don't want to invite the same mishaps into their organization. Pairing Giannis with a 37-year-old Kevin Durant would just be asking for potential issues with age and injuries.

Instead, the Rockets need to keep their young core together or upgrade with younger stars that extend their title contending window. Thompson figures to be a valuable contributor on elite teams for a long time with his two-way play. Even though he has limitations as a shooter and passer, Thompson does everything else on the court well. The Rockets need to figure out how to put him in a position to succeed rather than shipping him out prematurely.

Houston would regret trading away a talent like Amen Thompson

In truth, the Rockets were extremely lucky to land Amen Thompson with the fourth pick in the draft. He has outperformed the two players selected immediately ahead of him and already made the All-Defense First Team in his second season. Thompson also contributes adequately on offense, up to 18 points per game this season, with his aggression, athleticism and ball skills.

If Houston gave up on such a talented prospect before he even turns 24, they would likely live to regret it.