The Bucks may have the perfect Rockets target - and it's not who you think

The Houston Rockets have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo incessantly. If he really is available, they may want to acquire a Buck - but not the one you're thinking.

No, not Kyle Kuzma either. Ryan Rollins.

It may not be a name that's been on your radar. You'd be forgiven if you haven't watched a lot of Bucks games this year. They've slowly become one of the NBA's most depressing teams - hence the Antetokounmpo rumors.

Public Service Announcement: Stop sleeping on Rollins. He's averaging 17.9 points and 5.9 assists per game while shooting 39.4% from downtown. Rollins is legitimate:

And he'd be a great fit on the Rockets.

Rockets should be looking at Rollins

Here's another fun fact about Rollins: He's arguably on the best contract in the NBA.

This is a former second-round pick. The Bucks did extremely well to draft Rollins. He's a steal.

Some Rockets fans won't want him. They'd prefer to prioritize Reed Sheppard. That's valid, but Rollins is a great fit next to Sheppard. He's an aggressive, solid defender who can play without the ball. Since Rollins is just 23, this could be the Rockets' backcourt of the future.

So, he's young. He's very good, and he's on an excellent contract. Here's the question:

Why would the Bucks give him up?

Rockets and Bucks could make a deal

Well, the Bucks may be starting from scratch. They're not in an easy position to do so. This recent contender is exceedingly light on future draft capital.

Rollins is 23, but if the Bucks trade Antetokounmpo, they're likely looking at a long window. He may be 26 or 27 by the time they're good again. Who knows if he'll even wait that long?

The Rockets have picks to spare. Ideally, they'd flip Jeff Green or Jae'Sean Tate, an unprotected first, and a swap for Rollins. There's another possibility, but it's kind of ugly.

Tari Eason.

I know. We all love Eason. That said, he's due for an extension this year. The Rockets are cap-strapped - that's why Rollins' meager contract is especially appealing to them. Can they afford Eason?

If they don't think so, a deal could make sense. The Bucks will be less concerned about cap space. Given Eason's injury history, the Rockets would likely have to include an unprotected first with him for Rollins.

I'm spitballing. Perhaps that's too much. Arguably, the Rockets don't need Rollins that badly with Sheppard's emergence. That said, hes a quality guard who can shoot and defend. The Rockets would have to consider him:

Even if he's not the Buck everyone has an eye on.