Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
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Giannis Antetokounmpo has made it clear that he is open to being traded.
There’s a good chance that Giannis Antetokounmpo will be wearing a different jersey, if not this season, then the start of next season. With the trade deadline approaching, Antetokounmpo has been a player that many have been following.
Antetokounmpo has spent his entire career with the Milwaukee Bucks. He led them to a championship in 2021 and has become one of the top players in the league. While he’s spent over ten seasons with the Bucks, he has made it known that he’s open to new opportunities. Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins believes the Houston Rockets would be the right fit for Antetokounmpo.
On ESPN’s “First Take,” Perkins voiced his opinion regarding Antetokounmpo and the Rockets. “It makes all the sense in the world to make this happen for the Houston Rockets,” Perkins said. “If you get Giannis to [Houston], with Kevin Durant and Ime Udoka? Boy it’s going to be hell in hot water.”
If Antetokounmpo joins the Rockets, Houston will immediately become a contending team and a favorite to win the title.
Could Giannis Join the Rockets?
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The NBA trade deadline is rapidly approaching, and the crew weighs in where they want Giannis to land ⤵️ 🙌
Mutliple teams are interested in trading for the Bucks superstar. There’s no question that he would make an immediate impact on any team he joins. Pairing Antetokounmpo with Kevin Durant would be a nightmare for opposing teams. Not to mention dealing with Alperen Şengün as well. Houston already has a lot of length on their roster and adding Antetokounmpo would certainly be a plus for the team on the offensive and defensive side.
Perkins believes the Rockets would love their team if they traded for the “Greek Freak.” He thinks the team would only get better with him and Durant paired with each other. The question is, will the Rockets be willing to make that move to get Antetokounmpo? The team would have to give up multiple players as well as draft picks. But if the team wants to win now, adding Antetokounmpo would put them in a good position to do that.
Giannis to Houston Does Make Sense
The Rockets are a team that have pieces to move to acquire Antetokounmpo. With young talent like Tari Eason and Amen Thompson, Houston makes a good case to offer the Bucks young players and a list of draft picks as well. The Rockets could put Fred VanVleet in the deal as well. VanVleet has been sidelined this season because of an injury, but he’s a player who can make a positive impact on the court and he’s a competitor.
It will be interesting to see if a move will be made before the deadline or if Antetokounmpo and the Bucks wait until after the season. Antetokounmpo established himself as one of the best players in Bucks’ history and one of the best in the league. His progression from his rookie season to present day is remarkable and he’s the definition of hard work. It would have been nice to see him finish his career in Milwaukee but it looks like that will not be the case.