Grade the Trade: Rockets linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo in explosive new proposal

The Houston Rockets are widely seen to be looking to trade for a superstar. It has to be the right star. Once again: trading for an aging player who isn't somewhere in the vicinity of the league's top-10 players would be pointless for Houston.

Giannis Antetokoumnpo is well within that range. He's closer to the league's top-5. He's "the right star" if anyone meets the threshold. He's been linked to the Rockets before:

Now, they're being linked to him again.

Major media outlet proposals major deal for Rockets

This time, it's Bleacher Report getting in on the fun. Let's look at the details.

Milwaukee Bucks receive:

Amen Thompson
Reed Sheppard
Jabari Smith Jr.
4 first-round picks

Detroit Pistons receive:

Jeff Green
Jock Landale
MarJon Beauchamp
3 second-round picks

Houston Rockets receive:

Giannis Antetokoumnpo
Delon Wright
Chris Livingston
A.J. Green

That is a lot of stuff. If you're having sticker shock, take a moment. Take a deep breath, and repeat this mantra:

It's Giannis Antetokoumnpo.

He's going to cost a lot. Bleacher Report has nailed this deal in terms of trade value.

Do they have the Rockets sending out the right stuff?

Rockets could acquire Antetokoumnpo in several ways

Let's put it this way: this isn't precisely what this particular author would do.

There'd be some logic in including Alperen Sengun ahead of Jabari Smith Jr. The Rockets have found some success with Smith Jr. at the 5. If they acquire Antetokoumnpo, that could be the way forward. Smith Jr. spaces the floor for the Greek Freak, and Antetokoumnpo can help with weakside rim protection if Smith Jr. still struggles around the basket.

Keeping Sheppard would also be ideal. If he can develop quickly, his three-point gravity would be a perfect complement to Antetokoumnpo. The Rockets may prefer to include Cam Whitmore in the deal.

Including Thompson in the deal is the obvious choice. It will sting - Thompson's potential remains tantalizing - but his fit alongside Antetokoumnpo is questionable. Losing him would be the cost of doing business.

That brings us to a broader point. If the Rockets want Antetokoumnpo, they'll ultimately be prisoners to the Bucks. If this is the package they want, it's the package they'll get.

In the end, there are so many unknown variables at play in this scenario. Antetokoumnpo's preferences will factor heavily into the outcome. Assuming he's interested in coming to Houston, this is a fair proposal - even if the Rockets could put a better-fitting roster around Antetokoumnpo.

Grade: B+