While Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo has not officially requested a trade, speculation is rising around the league that he may seek a move, particularly after Damian Lillard‘s Achilles injury shifted the player market dynamics. ESPN analyst Chris Herring suggested a trade scenario where Antetokounmpo joins the Houston Rockets, a team that secured the No. 2 seed in the highly competitive Western Conference during the 2024-25 season. This potential move could elevate the Rockets into true championship contention, putting them on par with established contenders like the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Under the hypothetical deal, Houston would acquire Antetokounmpo and Pat Connaughton, while Milwaukee would receive a package consisting of young talent and future draft picks to facilitate their rebuilding phase beyond Giannis.
The proposed trade would send the Rockets: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Pat Connaughton.
In exchange, the Bucks would get: Alperen Sengun, Cam Whitmore, Reed Sheppard, Jock Landale, plus their 2025 first-round pick (No. 10), 2027 first-round pick, and 2028 first-round pick.
Addressing Houston’s Offensive Challenges
The Rockets demonstrated resilience by extending their first-round series against the Golden State Warriors to seven games, but offensive struggles overshadowed their effort. Notably, shooting guard Jalen Green’s field goal accuracy was insufficient, with only 37% shooting over the series and several games featuring single-digit scoring. Herring highlighted the Rockets’ acute need for a reliable offensive force such as Antetokounmpo, who could be complemented by the team’s existing shooters and floor spacers.
More than any other club that held home-court advantage to begin the playoffs, No. 2-seeded Houston desperately needs more offense,
he wrote.
Between their bottom-five 3-point attempt rate and Jalen Green’s inconsistency as a scorer — he exploded for 38 points in Game 2 against the Warriors but scored 12 points or fewer in the other six contests during that first-round matchup — the Rockets need to manufacture easier scores.
Alperen Sengun’s Potential Role in Milwaukee’s Future
Alperen Sengun, a promising Turkish big man and rising All-Star, showed flashes of brilliance during the Bucks-Warriors playoff series despite facing tough defense from Draymond Green. Sengun averaged 20.9 points, 11.9 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.9 steals on 45% shooting, asserting himself as a valuable piece with star potential. Many analysts consider him a strong candidate to become a franchise cornerstone for Milwaukee as they plan post-Giannis.
Chris Herring noted Sengun’s upward trajectory but emphasized that Antetokounmpo’s elite status as a two-time MVP positions him uniquely as a top offensive option for any team.
Yes, Sengun is an All-Star who can be the hub of a decent offense, and he has a higher ceiling as he continues to improve,
he wrote.
This might fall right within a sweet spot, depending on where your fandom lies. If you’re a Rockets fan, you likely hate the thought of parting with Sengun. But the need for a big as the offensive hub — even one with the playmaking chops of Sengun — lessens considerably if Giannis joins the roster.
Rockets’ Search for Their Next Superstar
Houston’s front office has also been linked to other star players such as Kevin Durant and Jaylen Brown, who could be available in trade discussions before the 2025-26 season. The prevalent view within the league is that the Rockets are very close to becoming a genuine title contender and simply require one major star addition to complete their roster.
Implications for the Western Conference Landscape
A Giannis Antetokounmpo trade to the Houston Rockets would reshape the Western Conference balance instantly, making Houston a formidable force with both an elite scorer and a strong supporting cast. Meanwhile, the Bucks would pivot toward a youth movement centered around Sengun and additional assets to maintain competitiveness over the long term. The potential trade also underscores the evolving strategy of franchises aggressively pursuing star talent to accelerate their championship aspirations.
With playoffs intensifying and superstars weighing their futures, such a high-profile trade would resonate broadly across the NBA, signaling Houston’s readiness to rise as a power alongside teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder.