The Houston Rockets were never involved in talks to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to their general manager Rafael Stone. Despite circulating rumors earlier in the offseason suggesting Houston could be a surprise suitor for Giannis, Stone confirmed that the Milwaukee Bucks communicated clearly from the start that the star player was not available for trade. The Rockets eventually shifted focus, finalizing a deal for Kevin Durant instead.
When asked directly about the speculation, Stone responded firmly:
“I deal well with Jon Horst [Bucks GM], I really like him. Jon was very clear that they weren’t doing anything. So, that was that.”
—Rafael Stone, Houston Rockets GM
Milwaukee Bucks Remain Committed to Giannis for Now
For years, Giannis Antetokounmpo has been at the center of trade rumors, with multiple franchises interested in securing the two-time MVP. Despite this, Giannis has remained loyal to the Bucks organization. Nonetheless, general managers throughout the NBA continue to monitor his status closely, often speculating that he might consider leaving Milwaukee if the team fails to return to championship contention.
Giannis led the Bucks to their 2021 NBA Championship and has consistently been ranked among the league’s top players. Since that victory, however, Milwaukee has struggled to maintain the level of success that initially solidified Giannis’ commitment to the team. Their recent roster turbulence, including the mix with Damian Lillard, has contributed to one of the franchise’s most challenging periods during Giannis’ tenure.
Last season, Giannis delivered impressive individual stats, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, but even his MVP-caliber efforts could not push the Bucks back into playoff success.
Bucks Rebuild After Key Players Depart
Following the departures of key contributors such as Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez, Milwaukee finds itself in a state of transition. The front office has been working to bolster the roster, acquiring players like Myles Turner and signing Taurean Prince and Kevin Porter Jr. Their goal is to strengthen depth and enhance versatility as they prepare for the upcoming season.
This revamped lineup aims to compete for a higher seed in the Eastern Conference, which may be more winnable due to expected setbacks for teams like the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers. These circumstances create a potential opportunity for the Bucks to reassert themselves as a serious playoff contender.
Giannis’ Contract Status and Future Remain Uncertain
Giannis still has three years left on his contract, valued at $174 million, keeping him under contract with the Bucks for the foreseeable future. However, his long-term future with the team remains uncertain, as he could decide to seek a trade or leave the franchise if he feels the situation no longer suits him. His official intentions likely will not be clear until after he completes participation in EuroBasket this summer.
The Bucks currently hold all negotiating power, and they face the challenge of convincing Giannis to remain committed despite the team’s recent struggles. Should Giannis decide to depart, Milwaukee can expect a significant return in a trade, which could reshape the franchise’s future.
For now, the Bucks are focused on maintaining stability and warding off interest from rival teams eager to claim their franchise cornerstone.