It is believed that both the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs won't pursue Giannis Antetokounmpo even if the Milwaukee Bucks made the Greek star available for trade.
Considering their current competitive state, two title contenders from the Western Conference are not expected to join the pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo once the Milwaukee Bucks superstar becomes available.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo
MIN: 28.99
PTS: 29.13 (64.2%)
REB: 10.31
As: 6.25
ST: 0.94
BL: 0.94
TO: 3.19
GM: 16
Per league insider Marc Stein, both the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs are out of the picture as league circles continue to monitor what might be the next development on the Giannis sweepstakes.
"There is a growing belief among trade-trackers that San Antonio and Houston, like Oklahoma City, do not plan to join the chase for Antetokounmpo even if the Bucks ultimately do decide to consider in-season proposals for their two-time MVP," Stein wrote. "All three of those teams, as you can imagine, like what they have going."
Stein previously reported that the Bucks have been rejecting inquiries around Antetokounmpo, as they'll only entertain a trade under one condition coming from their homegrown centerpiece.
The Bucks have struggled this season with an 11-16 record, and there is a common belief that Giannis might want to leave to continue his pursuit of better contention odds.
As such, the Rockets and the Spurs are sitting atop the standings and looking completely fine even if they won't pursue the Greek star.
The Rockets are enjoying a solid run thus far under new franchise superstar Kevin Durant, in which they are at the 3rd spot of the West (16-6). Alperen Sengun continues his rise as a premier big man, while Amen Thompson is projected to be one of the best two-way players.
Meanwhile, San Antonio has been superb with an 18-7 progress under the brilliance of Victor Wembanyama. And with a solid backcourt core of De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell and Dylan Harper, the Spurs are spectacular as they recently pulled an NBA Cup semifinal win over the league-leading OKC Thunder.
Both the Rockets and the Spurs are capably confident in their present and future outlook, even without having the service of Antetokounmpo.
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