One NBA insider expects the Houston Rockets to aggressively pursue a trade for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason.
On the latest episode of the Open Floor NBA Podcast, Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated said he anticipates the Rockets pursuing Antetokounmpo this offseason.
“The Giannis thing that’s out there, I believe that they’re gonna try to make a run at him in the offseason,” Mannix said about the Rockets.
Houston acquired Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns last offseason. The franchise has a history of making blockbuster deals and possesses several future draft picks to offer Milwaukee for Antetokounmpo this offseason.
A future Hall of Famer, Antetokounmpo doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract. He has a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season. If Antetokounmpo doesn’t sign an extension with the Bucks in October, he will be traded. That’s at least what Milwaukee co-owner Wes Edens told Ramona Shelburne of ESPN.
Antetokounmpo is eligible to sign a four-year, $275 million extension with the Bucks on October 1.
“Giannis is going into the last year [of his contract],” Edens said. “So one of two things will happen: Either he will be extended or he’ll be traded. The likelihood you’ll let him just kind of play out the last year, we can’t afford that. It’s not consistent with what’s good for the organization. That’s not a Giannis issue. That’s any player that’s in their last year.”
Antetokounmpo has spent his entire NBA career with the Bucks. He’s a two-time MVP, one-time Finals MVP, one-time Defensive Player of the Year and 10-time All-Star. The Bucks have won just one playoff series since winning the 2021 championship against the Suns. Many people in the NBA believe Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee will finally part ways this offseason.
A team with Durant and Antetokounmpo, two of the greatest players in NBA history, leading the way would be a championship contender. It will be fascinating to see if the Rockets find a way to trade for Antetokounmpo this offseason.
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