After an offseason of rumors and speculation, it seems that Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are finally headed towards a split.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the two-time league MVP and his agent, Alex Saratsis, “have started conversations” about Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee.
Almost the entire league should be interested in trade conversations with the Bucks regarding their best player, but none are uniquely positioned like the Houston Rockets.
At 14-5, Houston has a good thing going in their first season with Kevin Durant, but at 37, the two-time Finals MVP isn’t getting any younger, and the Rockets should be looking to capitalize on their championship window while they have the chance.
With a blend of young talent and draft capital, the Rockets can make the all-in move to try to land Antetokounmpo.
The Trade Idea
In a proposal from ESPN, the Houston Rockets could land Antetokounmpo by parting ways with a young All-Star.
Houston Rockets recieve: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, 2027 first-round pick (unprotected, via Suns)
Parting with Alperen Sengun, a 23-year-old ascending talent, would be a tough pill to swallow.
But the prospect of chasing a championship in the final few years of Durant’s career makes the need for win-now talent all the more pressing.
“With a 13-5 record, the No. 2 offense and the No. 3 defense in the league, the Rockets might not want to upset the apple cart. But if they could upgrade from Sengun to Antetokounmpo, they would have to at least consider it, given their chance to knock off the Oklahoma City Thunder and win a title this season and next,” wrote Zach Kram.
“For all of Sengun’s many strengths, his efficiency is still only average, while Antetokounmpo is one of the most efficient, highest-usage scorers in NBA history. He would fit perfectly in Houston’s physical, paint-based offense while still supplying the same sort of frontcourt playmaking as Sengun.”
Even with Sengun’s departure, the Rockets can keep their other high-upside youngsters, such as Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr., making this trade a no-brainer for the championship-starved city of Houston.
Would the Bucks Accept This Deal?
The Milwaukee Bucks aren’t going to get a player of Antetokounmpo’s caliber back in any trade, that much is obvious.
But Sengun has shown tantalizing upside in his young basketball career, and could be a foundational building block for the Bucks to build around for the next decade-plus.
“For Milwaukee, Sengun represents the best player it could realistically acquire in a trade: a 23-year-old offensive center who should make his second All-Star team this season,” continued Kram.
“Partnering with Ryan Rollins in Milwaukee, Sengun would serve as the foremost building player for the next era of the Bucks, who they need given their lack of first-round picks in upcoming drafts.”
“Houston likely wouldn’t want to offer many picks if they’re including Sengun in a deal, but a future unprotected first-rounder from Phoenix is enticing even if the Suns are playing better basketball this season.”
While the Houston Rockets contend for a championship in a loaded Western Conference, Milwaukee can take a step back and build out their roster with young talent for the first time in almost a decade.
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