Rockets' dreams dashed by stunning Antetokounmpo quote

Houston Rockets fans holding out for Giannis Antetokounmpo may want to abandon hope. The Bucks superstar just made some comments that seem to suggest he's staying in Milwaukee.

For some, that's a non-issue. After acquiring Kevin Durant, they don't want the Rockets to give up any more assets. Moreover, Antetokounmpo is in his prime. He'd cost significantly more than Durant on the open market. In any event, it could be a moot point:

Antetokounmpo says he's likely to stay where he is.

Potential Rockets target may not be available

Antetokounmpo was recently asked if he could see himself finishing his career in Milwaukee.

"Probably. We'll see. I love Milwaukee."

-Giannis Antetokounmpo

That's not a ringing endorsement. It's not a guarantee. It is worth nothing. Antetokounmpo seems happy in Milwaukee by all accounts.

Perhaps this was always likely. Antetokounmpo is from a small town in Greece. He may not pine for the bright lights of a big market. If he stays with the Bucks, he'll have the rare opportunity to be regarded as the best player in a franchise's history. Rockets fans should just give up.

Right?

Rockets have options in the future

Certainly not.

NBA players say a lot of things. When they're asked loaded questions, they can be evasive. That's not a criticism. It's an acknowledgement that Antetokounmpo knows how smart business is done in the league.

That doesn't mean he's eternally bound to the Bucks.

Nobody knows where Antetokounmpo may go. It does seem likely that he'll be a Buck until the next trade deadline at a minimum. The Rockets will enter the 2025-26 season with the roster they have at this moment.

It could be enough. Don't discount the Rockets as serious title contenders in 2025-26. Durant joins the bulk of a team that already won 52 games in 2024-25. The Rockets have upgraded in several areas. They may not need Antetokounmpo.

That said, the deadline will come around before we know it. If the Rockets - and Bucks - are underperforming, a deal could be in the works. The Rockets will certainly be tempted to pair Antetokounmpo with Durant to form one of the best duos in the NBA.

One thing is clear: there's no shortage of intrigue about the upcoming season. The Rockets are entering the title picture, and the Bucks may be exiting. For now, we should take Antetokounmpo at his word. He seems happy in Milwaukee:

He may be hoping to win another ring there.