With Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially hitting the trade block, every NBA team would be wise to make an inquiry. While most teams may find it challenging to garner interest from Antetokounmpo—who is expected to have significant say in his next destination if traded—it certainly won’t hurt to try.
### How Could Giannis Get to Houston?
If the Houston Rockets land on Antetokounmpo’s shortlist of desired destinations, ESPN has put together a potential trade package that could work in a two-team deal. In this scenario, the Rockets would acquire the Antetokounmpo duo: Giannis and his brother Thanasis.
For Milwaukee, the key piece coming back would be Alperen Şengün. ESPN’s Zach Kram notes, “Sengün represents the best player Milwaukee could realistically acquire in a trade: a 23-year-old offensive center who is expected to make his second All-Star team this season.” Partnering with Ryan Rollins in Milwaukee, Şengün would serve as the foundational building block for the Bucks’ next era—a vital move considering their lack of first-round picks in upcoming drafts.
### Rockets vs. Knicks: A Choice for Giannis
The New York Knicks are reportedly the number one destination for Antetokounmpo. However, if Giannis has any desire to compete in a challenging Western Conference, the Rockets should be a serious consideration.
Last season, Houston finished with a strong 52-30 record, securing the second seed behind the dominant Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite their impressive regular-season performance, a lack of postseason experience prevented the Rockets from making a deep playoff run. This led Houston to aggressively pursue star power, culminating in the addition of Kevin Durant over the summer.
So far, the Rockets have started the 2025-2026 NBA season on a solid note. With a 15-5 record, they remain in second place, trailing only the 22-1 Thunder. This positions Houston as legitimate contenders—something Giannis surely hoped Milwaukee would be.
### Bucks’ Slow Start Sparks Trade Speculation
In contrast to Houston’s promising start, the Milwaukee Bucks have had a slow and disappointing beginning to the 2025-2026 season. The team is struggling to live up to the high expectations set for their superstar.
As trade talks heat up, the possibility of Giannis heading to Houston adds a compelling twist to what promises to be an eventful NBA season. For the Rockets, securing a player of Giannis’s caliber could be the catalyst needed to challenge for a championship.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nba/rockets-could-make-massive-swap-giannis-trade-idea-11168023