When the Houston Rockets changed course, signing Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green to rich contract extensions rather than freeing upwards of $40 million in cap space next offseason, the thought was that they had bowed out of a potential superstar sweepstakes.
After all, one of their purported targets — Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell — signed a contract extension in the 2024 offseason. The same summer saw Paul George choose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers despite Houston’s rumored interest. Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker and New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, who they’ve also been linked to, sound like they want to stay where they are.
Suns forward Kevin Durant could become available if he doesn’t sign an extension. However, the Rockets might not be looking for a star nearing the end of their shelf life. That’s what makes the idea of their interest in Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler questionable. Butler, 35, is just a year younger than Durant.
Rockets May Target Two-Time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo In Trade
In light of the Milwaukee Bucks’ issues inching towards a full-blown catastrophe, there might be a star available who checks all the boxes: Giannis Antetokounmpo.
A two-time NBA MVP, 2020 Defensive Player of the Year, and eight-time All-Star, Antetokounmpo is still in his prime at 29 years old. Accolades aside, Antetokounmpo is one of the league’s premier two-way players. Offensively, he’s more than a handful with a head of steam and is a sound facilitator. Defensively, his length can suffocate players at multiple positions, while his athleticism helps him cover plenty of ground.
That being said, though Antetokounmpo “has reported interest in joining the Miami Heat or Brooklyn Nets, do not be surprised if the Houston Rockets try to pull off a trade for him,” reports FOX San Antonio’s Dusty Garza. “Insiders say the Rockets have the biggest collection of assets to make an enticing offer to the Bucks…”
While disgruntled star Giannis Antetokounmpo has reported interest in joining the Miami Heat or Brooklyn Nets, do not be surprised if the Houston Rockets try to pull off a trade for him. Insiders say the Rockets have the biggest collection of assets to make an enticing offer to… pic.twitter.com/9Mf67A8Uxe
— SpursRΞPORT (@SpursReporter) November 4, 2024
If Antetokounmpo is indeed a target, then Green and Sengun could both be Bucks next season. In that event, Milwaukee could try to ship the injury-plagued Khris Middleton off to Houston as well. With Cam Whitmore, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard available as compensation, the Rockets could possibly just trade one of Green or Sengun though.
In either case, there are few teams with as many expendable assets. Houston’s young talent might take the cake but their collection of draft picks is the icing. For a team with limited draft assets like the Bucks, the Rockets potential trade package could be extremely enticing. In fact, when compared to a team like the Heat or Brooklyn Nets, Houston simply has more to offer.
That doesn’t mean that Milwaukee has to bite. It’s just that if they do feel forced to move Antetokounmpo, the Rockets should have a sweet deal.
