Offseason proposal for trading Giannis Antetokounmpo following Damian Lillard's injury

Houston's Houston Rockets snagged the two-seed spot in the Western Conference this season, but they're currently faltering, down 2-1 in their first-round match against the Golden State Warriors. Fans are questioning the team's worthiness, dubbing them one of the worst two seeds ever. Yet, the Rockets' future remains hopeful, lacking only a crucial piece to stride towards true contention.

Fortunately for Houston, it seems there's a potential superstar-level trade possible this off-season – Giannis Antetokounmpo might be on the market.

The Milwaukee Bucks are teetering on the brink of disaster, with a 3-1 series deficit against the Indiana Pacers. If the Bucks exit the first round three years in a row, it might prompt Antetokounmpo to demand a trade to secure a team with championship potential. The Rockets are among the few teams with the resources to pull off such a trade.

Proposed Rockets deal for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Rockets get: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks get: Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, Jock Landale, Nate Williams, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick, 2031 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick (via Suns)

If the Rockets fail to turn their series around against the Warriors, they might have to consider jettisoning some of their young talent and draft picks for an upgrade. History shows that the two-seed only loses to the seven-seed a mere six times in the NBA. While Alperen Sengun has already made the All-Star team, and Amen Thompson is likely on the cusp, the Rockets lack a megastar.

Landing a top-10 NBA player like Antetokounmpo would be a game-changer for the Rockets. In this proposed deal, they would part ways with Dillon Brooks, Jock Landale, Nate Williams, Smith, and Landale, as well as four first-round picks, to welcome the two-time MVP to Houston.

Antetokounmpo would make an excellent frontcourt partner for Sengun. Though Sengun boasts remarkable passing skills, he struggles defensively, particularly with physicality and rim protection. Antetokounmpo possesses freakish athleticism and is a consistent Defensive Player of the Year contender. He'd also flourish catching lobs and backdoor cuts from Sengun.

Without Brooks, Smith, and Sheppard, the Rockets' lineup would experience a shakeup. But Antetokounmpo's talent and production would more than compensate for their departures, and the team would still retain seven of its ten best players in this deal.

Is there a better offer for the Rockets to snag Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Few teams have the prowess to put together a trade for Antetokounmpo. The Oklahoma City Thunder might be the only team with more trading power than Houston. They have a surplus of young players and future draft picks, as well as the necessary matching salaries to accommodate a max contract.

This trade proposal may appeal to the Bucks, who would not only receive four first-round picks but also a pick from the struggling Phoenix Suns. The Bucks boast limited future draft picks, so they would be thrilled to amass such capital. They would also gain three intriguing players in the deal: Dillon Brooks, an outstanding defensive ace; Jabari Smith Jr., a promising 3-and-D player; and Reed Sheppard, a talented center with substantial potential.

Antetokounmpo recently stated that he has no intention of leaving the Bucks, but five consecutive first-round exits and a significant injury to Damian Lillard could change his perspective. Antetokounmpo's impact on the Bucks cannot be underestimated; however, a trade out of town remains a possibility if the situation worsens.

Despite faltering in the playoffs, the Houston Rockets are considering a potential superstar-level trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
If the Milwaukee Bucks exit the playoffs early for a third consecutive year, Antetokounmpo might demand a trade to a team with championship potential.
The Rockets' proposed deal for Antetokounmpo includes sending Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, Jock Landale, Nate Williams, multiple first-round picks, and a pick from the Suns to the Bucks.
Landing Antetokounmpo would be a game-changer for the Rockets, providing them with a top-10 NBA player to partner with Alperen Sengun.
With Antetokounmpo's talent and production, the Rockets would more than compensate for the departures of Brooks, Smith, and Sheppard, retaining seven of their ten best players in this deal.
The Oklahoma City Thunder might be the only team with the trading power to compete with the Rockets for Antetokounmpo, boasting a surplus of young players, draft picks, and matching salaries for a max contract.
In a potential deal with the Thunder, the Bucks would receive four first-round picks, a pick from the struggling Suns, and three intriguing players: Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard.
Though Antetokounmpo has no current intention of leaving the Bucks, the situation could change if he witnesses more playoff exits or significant injuries to stars like Damian Lillard, making a trade to a new team a possibility.