Rockets are playing it smart with Giannis Antetokounmpo if surging rumors are true

The Houston Rockets have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo before. Perhaps it's time we stop making that connection. The latest rumors indicate that the Rockets are not interested in the Greek Freak's services.

It goes against conventional wisdom. The Rockets are a contender. They have a surplus of assets and young players. Shouldn't they push all the chips in for an MVP-caliber player?

That's the old way of thinking. The Rockets seem to have a different view. They're a contender with a surplus of assets and young players:

Why change anything?

Rockets are content with what they have

The Rockets are 16-6. They've had Tari Eason for exactly half of those games. Better still, they've had Dorian Finney-Smith for precisely 0.

So, they're very good, and they're about to get significantly better at no cost.

Consider the history of teams breaking up a young core for a superstar in their 30s. It doesn't always go well. The Rockets would be taking a risk to acquire Antetokounmpo, and it's completely unnecessary.

Think about it. Say the Rockets move Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and as many first-round picks as is required for Antetokounmpo. Now, imagine they don't win an NBA championship. Suddenly, they're without Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and their picks: With no championship to show for it.

By contrast, if they don't win a title in the next two or three seasons, the damage is minimal. The Rockets will still be young, and they'll still have picks.

Should this team even be thinking about trades at all?

Rockets could target the right star

The other elephant in the room when it comes to Antetokounmpo is that he's not a great fit with the players the Rockets have.

Let's assume they're keeping Alperen Sengun. He and Antetokounmpo both typically operate in the same areas. They each like to score in the post or in face-up situations inside the arc.

If the Rockets were to land a superstar, it ought to be a high-volume three-point shooter. Should Anthony Edwards ever want out of Minnesota, he'd be optimal. There's zero reason to think Jayson Tatum will ever shake loose, but he's another example of a player it might be worth emptying the coffers for.

As it stands, Antetokounmpo is a bit too old and not quite a strong enough fit with the Rockets. Perhaps fans wanted more from them in 2025-26, but they're still having a successful season. Given their age and asset situation, there's no reason to operate with any desperation:

And acquiring Antetokounmpo would be a bit desperate.