Ever since the Houston Rockets flamed out early in the first round of the playoffs, there has been significant buzz about them trading for a superstar this summer. The Rockets are a very good team now, but they are likely one star away from being a true championship contender. Armed with a ton of talented young players with trade value and draft capital, the Rockets should be in the running for any star on the trade block.
The biggest star on the trade block is none other than two-time MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks star is expected to be available via trade this summer following Milwaukee's implosion. After Damian Lillard's devastating injury, which will unfortunately keep him out for next season, the Bucks don't have a path to being contenders. Trading Antetokounmpo, while he is still at the peak of his powers, makes a ton of sense for Milwaukee.
New Obstacle Emerges in Rockets' Potential Pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo
Houston is a natural fit for Antetokounmpo. The Rockets have so many young players that they can't find enough playing time to develop them. Sending a few of them Milwaukee's way, along with draft assets, in exchange for the Greek Freak could be a win-win deal.
There is, however, an unexpected obstacle. Doug Smith of the Toronto Star reported on Sunday that Antetokounmpo wants to stay in the Eastern Conference and has a mutual interest with the Toronto Raptors.
Antetokounmpo's desire to stay in the East is understandable. The Western Conference is loaded, and the path to a title is much easier in the Eastern Conference. Whether the Raptors are the team to give him the best chance at another ring is another question.
Where Antetokounmpo ends up will depend on how much he wants to put his finger on the scale. He has enough pull within the Bucks organization to ask to be traded to a specific team, even if that team didn't have the best trade offer. That could complicate matters for the Rockets, who may need to turn their attention to the rest of the field, including Kevin Durant and Devin Booker.