Rockets linked to big man they nearly signed in free agency

HoopsHype's Michael Scotto speculated that the Houston Rockets could pursue Brook Lopez this summer in free agency if a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade happens. Houston is among the few teams with young players and draft assets to entice Milwaukee.

On Monday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that Antetokounmpo is "open-minded" to leaving the Bucks for the first time in his NBA career. He hasn't requested a trade, at least not yet.

ESPN's Tim MacMahon reported earlier this month that the Rockets will have "internal discussions" about trading for a star this summer. Signs point toward the Suns trading Kevin Durant this offseason, but Houston reportedly is skeptical about trading for the two-time champion because of his age. KD will turn 37 before the start of next season. If Giannis is available, exploring a trade would be a no-brainer for Houston.

Scotto noted that a Rockets-Giannis trade could mean the end of Alperen Sengun's time in Houston. If that happens, the Rockets could shift their attention to Lopez, who won a championship with Antetokounmpo in 2021.

Giannis trade could lead to Rockets' interest in free agent Brook Lopez

Houston nearly lured Lopez away from Milwaukee in 2023, but he signed a two-year, $48 million deal to remain with the Bucks instead. Lopez wanted to help Milwaukee win another title. The odds of him doing so increased (at least in theory) when the team traded for Damian Lillard that same offseason, but the Bucks have had first-round exits the past two seasons.

Lopez is 37, but he's still solid. He wouldn't be expensive, either. Another bonus is that Lopez can shoot threes. He averaged 13 points and 5.0 rebounds per game for the Bucks this past regular season, shooting 50.9% from the field and 37.3% from three.

Rafael Stone said Houston wants to keep Steven Adams, which could still happen even if the team trades for Antetokounmpo and signs Lopez. The Rockets' offseason priorities could shift entirely if Giannis hits the trade market because rarely does a player of his caliber become available.

The rumors have begun, but won't pick up until the NBA offseason officially starts. Maybe Giannis will decide to remain with the Bucks and try to compete for a second championship in a weakening Eastern Conference, or perhaps he'll ditch the East for the West (along with Lopez). His arrival in Houston could mean saying goodbye to Sengun, but you must be willing to pay a high price for a player like Giannis.