Giannis trade package proves the Rockets were never real contenders

The Rockets were rumored to be interested in trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the Bucks' ultimate return for him from the Heat casts doubt on Houston's chances. Milwaukee's trade return included a slew of mediocre players and a haul of draft capital - 3 first-round picks, one pick and one second-round pick. The Rockets have generally been hesitant to pull the trigger on such a big trade, but even then their package would have centered on young players rather than picks.

The Rockets had no real chance to get Giannis

Although the Heat probably sent back more draft picks than the Rockets would, you could still argue that Houston had a better overall trade package for Giannis. However, Giannis himself always seemed intent on going to Miami over the last few months. It came as no surprise to anyone who's been paying attention that he ended up there in the end.

The Rockets themselves will have to settle for lesser names in the trade market if they want to add significant talent quickly. Unfortunately, Houston doesn't quite have the same big-market appeal as Miami or Los Angeles. There's really nothing the Rockets could have done to lure Giannis away from the Bucks, even if they had put together a ridiculous trade package.

Houston shouldn't regret losing out on Giannis

However, the Rockets also don't need to spend any time mourning the loss of Giannis from the trade market. I've repeatedly mentioned that Giannis doesn't fit well into the timeline or long-term vision of the Rockets as presently constructed. He's heading into this age 32 season coming off a year with multiple injuries, and also doesn't help the spacing issue in Houston.

Even if the Rockets had bet the house on Giannis and traded away a ton to get him, they might have just been left in the same position as this year's Bucks. The Rockets might have struggled to put together a proper contender around Giannis after acquiring him. Putting all your chips into one superstar talent is an extremely dangerous tactic in today's NBA, where most recent championship winners have thrived on great overall teams rather than singular dominating forces.

Even after trading for Giannis, the Heat are not guaranteed success next season. They have practically gutted their roster aside from Giannis and Bam Adebayo. Their lack of corresponding perimeter talent could soon come back to haunt them in the playoffs if Giannis and Bam can't dominate as expected.

For a team that was stuck in mediocrity like the Heat, trading for Giannis made a ton of sense. But the Rockets are still developing towards a better future and they had no need to give that up for a limited window of possible contention.

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