Rockets must rethink blockbuster Giannis Antetokounmpo trade amidst surging rumors

The Houston Rockets have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo before. With rumors about his departure from the Bucks heating back up, it's time to revisit those conversations.

How could we not? The Bucks recently snapped a 7-game losing streak only to turn around and lose to the woeful Wizards. This team is in rough shape. Is that why Antetokounmpo recently took the Bucks off his social media?

It's become the telltale sign of a trade request. Antetokounmpo changed his X bio to read "NBA athlete". There's an implication there:

Antetokounmpo isn't sure which team he'd like to be on.

How would he look in Rockets red?

Rockets would have to consider acquiring MVP candidate

It's hard to put the Bucks' shortcomings on Antetokounmpo. He's averaging 30.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game with a 10.8 Box Plus Minus (BPM). He remains one of the best players in the NBA.

The Bucks' roster is a mess. They've inexplicably acquired guys like Kevin Porter Jr. (Rockets fans know) and Kyle Kuzma to support Antetokounmpo. Ryan Rollins has emerged as the team's second option. That's a wonderful development for a young second-round pick, but it's not ideal for a team with championship aspirations.

The Bucks are stuck. Meanwhile, the Rockets have enough assets to acquire Antetokounmpo and still have enough leftover to compete for the title. It's something they'd have to consider:

Although he wouldn't come cheap.

Rockets must be cautious with blockbuster moves

Before, it felt inevitable that Alperen Sengun would be involved in an Antetokounmpo deal. Now, that's less clear. With Sengun shooting 39.2% on 2.8 three-point attempts per game, the shooting between the pair suddenly looks more palpable.

It should be noted that Antetokounmpo is hitting a career-best 43.5% of his triples, although he takes just 1.4 per contest. The duo still aren't a perfect fit - they'd both rather score inside - but flanked by Kevin Durant and Reed Sheppard, the Rockets would have enough shooting to get by.

So, we're keeping Sengun and Sheppard. That leaves Amen Thompson as a centerpiece. He'd be overwhelmingly likely to get moved in an Antetokounmpo trade. The Rockets would likely be flipping Thompson and a lot of future first-round picks for the Greek Freak.

That doesn't work financially. This would likely require Fred VanVleet to waive his no-trade clause, and Jabari Smith Jr. may have to go to make the money work. Assuming it's feasible, we're likely looking at Thompson, Smith Jr., VanVleet and four or five first-round picks to make a deal work.

That's...a lot. This is why I can't in good conscience write a full-blown "the Rockets must acquire Antetokounmpo" piece. It's a lot to think about.

Still, Antetokounmpo would instantly make the Rockets the second-best team in the NBA. A starting group of Sengun, Antetokounmpo, Durant, Josh Okogie, and Sheppard should compete with anyone. It's something to think about:

Again.