Milwaukee Bucks“Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has continually shut down any speculation about an incoming trade request.

A lack of improvement, however, could cause the two-time MVP to re-evaluate his situation. At this point, however, the Bucks remain firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff race despite their unsatisfactory record of four wins and nine losses.

They are just 3.5 games behind the third-place Orlando Magic heading into Monday night’s slate of games.

If the Bucks’ performance fails to satisfy Antetokounmpo’s desire to win the championship, then a rebuild could be near. The Bucks are in the second apron, so any pivot comes with challenges. Outside of three-time All-Star Khris Middleton returning to the team, it will be difficult to make significant improvements.

Although the Oklahoma City Thunder have the best possible trade package for Antetokounmpo, they may not want to consolidate their assets for the Bucks superstar.

NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported that “Rumors began to spread among rival teams monitoring a possible pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo by Houston.”

The Rockets hold eight first-round picks between 2025 and 2029 and enough intriguing young talent to pair with draft capital and give them a chance to land a superstar like Antetokounmpo. Stein mentioned the Rockets have “Various combinations of emerging prospects and draft picks the Rockets can assemble into theoretical trade deals.”

A potential offer that works financially might look like the following:

The rockets receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Dollars receive: Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, Dillon Brooks, Steven Adams and 6 first round picks

This deal allows the Bucks to replenish their currently non-existent draft capital while bringing in young core pieces to begin building around. Thompson was the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, while Whitmore was chosen 20th overall in the same rookie class. Adams and Brooks are primarily included for salary matching, but Adams would act as an effective complement to Brook Lopez. Additionally, Brooks’ competitive spirit could help create a serious mindset among the Bucks’ influx of young talent. If Milwaukee were to go down this path, it’s safe to assume that Doc Rivers would step down from his coaching role.

For Houston, adding Antetokounmpo to a core of Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard, Tari Eason and Fred VanVleet would change the franchise. Remember, this assumes Thompson and Whitmore were shipped to Milwaukee in the deal for the Greek Freak. Antetokounmpo has never played on a team with such athleticism. As a result, this hypothetical iteration of coach Ime Udoka’s team should be considered one of the top championship contenders in the league.

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