Rockets' Giannis Antetokounmpo pursuit just got a lot more interesting

As the Houston Rockets attempt to contend this year following their blockbuster offseason acquisition of Kevin Durant, the, possibly season-ending, ACL injury to starting point guard Fred VanVleet means that their championship hopes have taken a major hit.

Yet, according to Zach Lowe on the most recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, this development does make it more likely, albeit only slightly, that the Rockets might pursue a trade for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo were he to surprisingly become available this season.

While such a trade would empty their coffers of their draft capital, and likely cost them one of their budding young stars in Alperen Sengun, such a move would set the team up for immediate success, and a win-now stance is something that the organization has already committed to.

The Rockets' interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo may have just been revived

As rumors have swirled over the past couple of seasons surrounding Antetokounmpo's potential desire to leave the Milwaukee Bucks, Houston has almost always been near the forefront of these rumors given the young talent and draft capital they have amassed.

Yet, when the Bucks waived and stretched veteran guard Damian Lillard this offseason, re-igniting rumors in full force that Antetokounmpo might ask out, the team had already found their star through the Durant trade.

Now, however, the VanVleet injury brings major doubt into the viability of this lineup without a bona-fide floor general. Moreover, as long as Durant remains without an extension, this team's cemented championship window is only one year: this year.

While it remains likely that Durant will sign an extension to remain with the team, there is no guarantee that this will happen, and, if a player of Antetokounmpo's caliber becomes available, Houston could have no choice but to join the sweepstakes in order to maximize the opportunity they have already built for themselves.

Such a move would represent an earth-shattering shakeup for the Rockets' core, but it could all but guarantee them a run to the Finals. Last season, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists, proving yet again that he deserves a place among the top three players in the NBA.

Pairing him with Durant and the Rockets' host of athletic young wings could be too tantalizing a prospect to pass up given the uncertainties surrounding the roster as of now.

If it is not Antetokounmpo, do not count out the fact that Houston could attempt to make a move for another star-caliber player once their trade restrictions lift on December 15.

While a move for Antetokounmpo, obviously, remains a remote possibility given the improbability of him demanding a trade in-season, it is an interesting question to entertain, and perhaps a storyline to follow, as the season begins.