Plenty of teams have been rumored to make a move for Giannis Antetokounmpo once he requests a trade from the Milwaukee Bucks. The team that has the highest odds of acquiring Antetokounmpo, according to Bovada, is the Houston Rockets.
On Thursday, Kurt Helin published an article on NBC Sports that suggested seven destinations for the Greek Freak if he gets traded. One of the teams that Helin discussed was the Rockets. According to him, the Western Conference team could be instant contenders if they make a move to acquire the star forward.
He also mentioned players that the Rockets are willing to part ways with and include in a potential trade package.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo defended by Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun.
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Helin wrote that a combination of players and picks could make the Bucks trade the 2021 Finals MVP. That includes their center, Alperen Sengun, who made his first All-Star selection in February.
"Houston has optionality, this trade can be structured in many different ways. Houston would be open to trading Alperen Sengun, league sources told NBC Sports," Helin reported.
However, he pointed out that the Bucks could be more interested if the package included Jalen Green. The NBA lead writer for NBC Sports also said that "Jabari Smith Jr. is likely part of any deal.'
Acquiring a star player like Sengun would be beneficial for Milwaukee. The team will have a solid player who only needs a few pieces around him to elevate the group. The Bucks will be secure with the Turkish star, as he signed a five-year, $185 million contract extension in 2024.
His new deal, which includes a $39 million player option in the final year, will take effect in the 2025-26 season.
For the Rockets, Antetokounmpo can push them to be a threat in the West. Last season, they finished as the second seed in the conference with a 52-30 record. However, they only lasted in the first round against an aging Golden State Warriors.