After taking a massive leap forward this season, all eyes will be on the Houston Rockets this summer. Not only do the Rockets have one of the youngest and most talented rosters in the NBA, but they also have more assets than almost every team in the league. This naturally makes them an intriguing trade candidate as we approach a momentous offseason for the entire NBA.
The Rockets have the combination of young players, draft capital, and matching salary that makes them an instant landing spot for any star on the trade block.
One of those stars is Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. The two-time MVP is the best player likely to be traded this offseason due to the bleak future in Milwaukee. The Rockets are expected to be suitors, but the potential trade package, as reported by NBC Sports' Kurt Helin, would be a big mistake.
Rockets Shouldn't Trade Alperen Sengun in a Giannis Antetokounmpo Deal
In his reporting, Helin says that the Rockets are willing to move Alperen Sengun in a potential trade package for Antetokounmpo. The Turkish big man is coming off his first All-Star appearance and was the best player for Houston in the postseason. While selling high on Sengun may seem intriguing, it jeopardizes the Rockets' future.
Antetokounmpo is still a top-five player in the league, and it will be hard for Houston to ever acquire a player as good as him. At the same time, he will turn 31 in six months. He relies on his physicality and athleticism to be dominant. He is already not as effective a defender and rim protector as he was in his heyday. Trading a 22-year-old All-Star for Giannis may not be the slam dunk move some Rockets fans believe.
Plus, there are fit concerns with Giannis in Houston. Amen Thompson is the future of this franchise and will be the most important asset this team has in the long run. Yet, he struggles with his shot. Pairing him with Antetokounmpo creates significant challenges, especially since neither player will play full-time center.
The Rockets should pursue Antetokounmpo, but if the only way to do it is by moving on from Sengun, Houston may be better off looking elsewhere.