Rockets' just officially secured key piece of a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade package

The Houston Rockets have a top-ten draft pick to offer as part of the package for Giannis Antetokounmpo after Monday’s draft lottery. The two-time MVP is rumored to be exploring his options, and the Rockets are an enticing destination. They have young talent, draft capital, and were just the number two seed in the West. It will take a massive offer, but Houston’s package just got stronger.

The Rockets fell one spot in the lottery as the rival Mavericks jumped to land Cooper Flagg. It was a disappointing result, but won’t be if Houston lands Giannis. The playoffs proved they need a go-to scorer. Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in the world and would instantly make the Rockets a title contender.

The Bucks are in a difficult spot. They traded all their draft capital to build around Giannis, so they will want young talent and picks. The Rockets are ready to offer both, including the tenth overall pick in June.

10th pick in 2025 could be key piece of a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

The Bucks will want Alperen Sengun or Jalen Green as the start of any package. That gives them an elite young talent to build around. They likely ask for Reed Sheppard and Jabari Smith Jr. plus multiple draft picks. Giving up the tenth pick in 2025 may limit the package to just two additional selections. It is a massive price, but this is Giannis. With 29 teams bidding, the Rockets will have to overpay.

If it is Green, Sheppard, Smith Jr., and three first-round draft picks, the Rockets got lucky. That leaves them Amen Thompson, Sengun, and Fred VanVleet around Giannis. It is a formidable top four with several role players to help. The Rockets would have some flexibility to upgrade more and build themselves into a true title challenger.

Ime Udoka will have Houston locked in on the defensive end, and Giannis is one of the best in the world. No team would look forward to facing the Rockets, but they must convince Milwaukee it is time to part with Antetokounmpo after 12 years.

The Houston Rockets are one of the favorites to land Giannis Antetokounmpo. Their young talent and draft capital will be enticing to Milwaukee. It is all on the Greek Freak. Does he want to leave his only NBA franchise? If not, the Bucks likely keep him.

There is no definitive word on a trade demand, but the Rockets are preparing their offers along with every other team. Houston has a shot to win, but cannot give up too much. For now, all the NBA world can do is wait.