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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts following a play during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on December 29, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

The Houston Rockets will try to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks this summer if he’s within reach on the trade market. Antetokounmpo is already viewed as the top story entering the offseason due to his status with the Bucks being up in the air. Next season will be the final year on Giannis’ contract, and Milwaukee’s owners have stated they will look to trade the superstar if he doesn’t want to extend his deal.

NBA insider Chris Mannix revealed Houston has strong interest, via a Sports Illustrated interview with Rachel Nichols:

“Look, the Giannis thing is out there, and I believe that they’re going to try to make a run at him in the offseason, so that looms. But if they don’t get him, I don’t think the result of this year is hit the nuke button on some of the stuff.”

Mannix claimed that the Antetokounmpo rumor is out there for a reason and that he fully expects the Rockets to put in their best offer. However, he also made sure to share that he doesn’t expect them to blow up the team for the sake of it if they lose. Giannis would be the one name that pushes the button to take a massive risk.

What Houston Could Trade For Giannis

The biggest question about this hypothetical scenario surrounds the trade package that the Rockets would send to Milwaukee for a two-time MVP. Young rising stars Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, and Jabari Smith Jr. all would tempt the Bucks to take a chance on two of these names as the main assets in return.

Milwaukee could also opt to ask for Alperen Sengun to get back a guaranteed All-Star caliber player to build around. Draft picks would be necessary, but Houston’s picks may not be as valuable due to their expectations to contend for the next few seasons. A Rockets pick swap with the rebuilding Brooklyn Nets may be prioritized more by the Bucks.

Veterans like Dorian Finney-Smith and Steven Adams might need to be included to adhere to the salary rules. Houston will be giving up a lot for Giannis, regardless of the package, to make it a bigger risk than the average fan would initially think.

What Other Teams Are In The Giannis Sweepstakes

If Antetokounmpo hits the open market, quite a few teams will have strong interest right there with Houston. The New York Knicks and Miami Heat have long been considered the two ideal destinations for Giannis based on his previous actions and comments.

Both the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors will work hard to entice Antetokounmpo and the Bucks with their best offers. Each team had no realistic chance this season, but they could get more creative in the offseason.

Other dark horse teams will be out there since it is rare for a talent of Giannis’ level to hit the trade block. Milwaukee only holding one year season on his contract may see teams getting stingy with offers, but the amount of interested teams should still drive up the asking price.