Rockets Refusing To Include 2 Players in Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade With Bucks

The Houston Rockets are one of the best teams in the NBA this year. Unfortunately, the one thing the squad currently lacks is a legitimate superstar.

Because of how poorly the Milwaukee Bucks have been playing this season, rumors have started to circulate that Giannis Antetokounmpo might be on the market.

Houston would seem to be an excellent candidate for his services.

This week, reports surfaced revealing precisely what level of interest the Rockets have in the former NBA Finals MVP.

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“The Rockets are not interested in breaking up their core for Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, sources tell The Athletic. Houston, sitting at 10-5 and a Game out of first in the West, remains focused on developing its young players as a collective,” Kelly Iko reported.

That said, Brian Windhorst of ESPN seems to have a different take on the situation. He believes that Houston could have some openness to making a big move, so long as it doesn’t involve one of two young superstars-in-the-making.

“The Rockets and Warriors are kind of in the same boat,” he said.

“They’re playing a lot of guys, they’ve got some young guys they like, and they’ve got picks at their disposal and players to trade,” Windhorst added on The Hoop Collective.

“The question is will they like what they’ve got in January or will they look to upgrade. There are some teams that have been watching the Rockets, waiting to see if they move, and the message that they’ve sent out that those two guys, Tari Eason and Amen Thompson, guys that they’ve drafted in the last three years are untouchable. Now everything in life is a negotiation, especially in the NBA, but I’m told those guys are untouchable.”

Tim MacMahon seemed to agree.

“It would have to be one heck of a return to get the Rockets to consider trading either one of those guys,” he said. “They love those guys and I think they fit the mold that Ime Udoka wants in Houston.”

The Rockets are obviously a great young team, but lack the superstar piece necessary for true championship contention.

Antetokounmpo could be that piece.

Will the Rockets change their mind and make a big move for Antetokounmpo? Time will tell.

Charles Kruger

Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the Sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.