According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Milwaukee Bucks superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a trade target for the Houston Rockets.
Antetokounmpo is reportedly open-minded about leaving the Bucks this offseason, but the future Hall of Famer hasn’t requested a trade yet.
If Antetokounmpo requests a trade from Milwaukee, Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report proposed that the Rockets trade Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, a 2027 first-round pick (via Phoenix), a 2028 first-round pick swap, a 2030 first-round pick and a 2032 first-round pick to the Bucks for The Greek Freak.
The Bucks lost to the Indiana Pacers in the first round of this year’s playoffs in five games. They have won just one postseason series since winning the 2021 championship against the Phoenix Suns in six games.
Meanwhile, the Rockets made the playoffs this year for the first time since 2020. They took the Golden State Warriors to seven games in the first round.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a trade target for the Houston Rockets.
Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a trade target for the Houston Rockets.
Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Bucks signed Antetokounmpo to a three-year, $175 million extension in October 2023. Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP, a one-time Finals MVP, a one-time Defensive Player of the Year and a nine-time All-Star.
A member of the NBA's 75th Anniversary Team, Antetokounmpo has career averages of 23.9 points, 9.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks. He put up 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.2 blocks per game this season and made the All-NBA First Team.
"Giannis would give the Rockets one of the best starting frontcourts in the league," Bailey wrote. "He and Alperen Sengun can play together. And the roster would still have plenty of upside with Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard."
It will be fascinating to see if Antetokounmpo requests a trade from the Bucks this offseason. The Rockets are expected to make an offer for Antetokounmpo if he asks out.