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The Houston Rockets could create the most enticing trade package should a player at the level of Giannis Antetokounmpo become available. Between Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard and Tari Eason along with a number of future first round picks, the Rockets could offer the Milwaukee Bucks a number of win-now players and future draft picks in exchange for Antetokounmpo while maintaining a championship supporting cast around him.

"To be honest with you, almost nobody could match what the Rockets have to trade and the quality of the team that they will have," said Brian Windhorst on Get Up. "That combination is why potentially a star player would have interest in them. Tax-free state, good weather, there's a lot to like about the Rockets, but we're going to know a lot more about them in one week."

While Windhorst didn't allude to them directly, the Oklahoma City Thunder could similarly offer a trade package of young potential stars and picks similar to the Rockets. The Thunder, however, are widely expected to continue on their current trajectory rather than looking to acquire an outside star.

Houston has also been linked with interest in Devin Booker, but he is widely expected to remain with the Phoenix Suns on a new extension. The Rockets haven't signaled strong interest in Kevin Durant, who is not on a similar timeline as their young core.

With the Rockets losing in seven games to the Golden State Warriors in their first round series, the need for halfcourt offense was highlighted. 

Regardless of who the Rockets might trade for, it is highly unlikely that GM Rafael Stone considers making Amen Thompson available. The Rockets have made it clear in conversations with other teams that Thompson will be untouchable. 

Via Brian Windhorst/ESPN

Houston should be on the phone right now with a package for Giannis surrounding Green and Smith Jr. with picks.

jacoby1us wrote:Houston should be on the phone right now with a package for Giannis surrounding Green and Smith Jr. with picks.

maybe but, the Bucks really don't have anything promising. Green and Jabari might not stick around beyond this current contract and also aren't good tank commanders, especially Jabari and neither seem very likely to actually become a bonafide star

so idk why the Bucks would ever do that

in reality, trading for Giannis is a very rare opportunity to trade for a top 3 \ perennial MVP caliber player still in his prime and skill-set wise, might be even better now than he was a couple of years ago. that should fetch the Bucks a king's ransom (especially as Giannis isn't disgruntled etc.) and I don't think Green, Jabari and a couple of picks are "it"

the Rockets may posture about certain players being untouchable but in reality, to pry Giannis from the Bucks they'll have to give up one of their "untouchables". Sengun is great fit with Giannis and has already played like a fringe All-NBA players for stretches and this GSW series proved his game translates well to the postseason as well, so it's not gonna be Sengun. that leaves Amen, whose lack of shooting is an issue as ideally you need to put shooters around Giannis. Amen is a also someone who gets in the paint, so there's a paint-clogging issue on top of the spacing issue.

everyone can see Amen's potential, it's not like it's a secret but the Rockets are deluding themselves if they think they can get Giannis without coughing up Amen. Green is a big question mark, at this point he's closer to being a negative asset on his current contract (and future contracts he's likely to demand) then to being some breakout star just waiting to explode

we can say he's young all we want but this series is a huge red flag, there aren't alot of precedents for guys playing this bad and later becoming stars and it really seems like he's just not a very good basketball player. he can get hot and he's a phenom in the open-court but in the halfcourt he really isn't bringing much to the table atm, not as a scorer and not as a playmaker

Green's iffy contract and Jabari + a couple of picks does not net you Giannis, imo

Green, Amen and picks might do the trick,depending on what other teams will offer and Jabari + Amen probably gets it done, imo.

Problem is I dont really see too many stars that are still young unless you just dont care about youth at that point. I mean, even then you could still keep many of thier vets and have a good supporting cast so I guess its a good problem to have. Id probably stand pat unless its more of a PG star who can sortve run the whole offense better. May be better to seek out more vets to sprinkle in.

Not offering Amen in a deal for Giannis is offensively stupid.

NUMBERICA wrote:Not offering Amen in a deal for Giannis is offensively stupid.

Agreed. I like him but when talking Giannis, he would be available. I can't imagine his inclusion being the obstacle that prevents a deal being done if it would come to that.

NUMBERICA wrote:Not offering Amen in a deal for Giannis is offensively stupid.

Not really, the guy can literally become new Giannis and he's better now than Giannis was in his sophmore year.

Rockets will rather not bringing Giannis than give Amen away.