The Houston Rockets are a team that is poised to make a move in the offseason. Last year, they made a big move by trading for Kevin Durant. That didn’t do much for them in the postseason, as Durant missed all but one game against the Lakers in the first round.
This summer, they are expected to be active again. Giannis Antetokounmpo is the biggest player expected to be available in a trade this summer, and the Rockets have one of the best packages they can offer the Bucks. However, several teams will be trying to land him.
Houston’s chances of trading for Antetokounmpo look pretty good to one analyst.
GettyMilwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo dribbles the ball in a game. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Rockets Given Good Shot to Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Houston might have the best chance to trade for Antetokounmpo.
“Despite trading for Durant last offseason, Houston still has the draft picks, players, and financial flexibility to pull off an Antetokounmpo deal. Although another blockbuster wouldn’t completely gut the Rockets’ young core, one of the roster’s biggest advantages would take a massive hit,” Marks wrote.
Houston can spare some of that depth, as Ime Ukoka clearly had an issue playing some of those players when things started mattering the most. Antetokounmpo would clearly give Houston a boost offensively, which they desperately need. That’s especially true in the half-court.
It’s unlikely that the Rockets would include Amen Thompson in any offseason trade, even one for Antetokounmpo. That still leaves Houston with plenty of assets in terms of young players to include in a trade. Houston also has several first-round picks it can include.
In the playoffs, Houston ranked 13th in offense out of 16 teams. Most of that was due to the unavailability of Durant, but the Rockets need some injury insurance. Getting a younger player who is still one of the best in the NBA would certainly give them that.
GettyHouston Rockets forward Kevin Durant walks on the court. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Houston Has to Decide Which Chips to Cash
If the Rockets are going to make a trade, they have to decide which chips they are going to cash. They have to figure out which young players they are willing to give up in a win-now type of trade. Antetokounmpo wouldn’t come without injury risk, either, despite his age.
This year, Antetokounmpo only managed to play in 36 games. He also has not been healthy in two of the last three postseasons that Milwaukee has played in. Having two injury-prone players who account for so much of the offense might be something that holds Houston back from making this move.
From now until the NBA Draft, teams will be making calls on Antetokounmpo. Houston might be able to have him if they give Milwaukee their best offer right away. It all depends on whether the front office believes Houston can close the gap on San Antonio and Oklahoma City.
Rockets’ Chances of Trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo Given a Boost