Fresh off landing Kevin Durant in a seismic blockbuster that preserved their young core and draft flexibility, the Houston Rockets are widely believed to be angling for yet another superstar, with Giannis Antetokounmpo at the top of the wish list.
But assembling a “Big 4” in Houston won’t be easy. With Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson entrenched, and no shortage of bigs, can the Rockets really move Alperen Sengun and other assets in a second major package?
The answer is yes. Giannis has claimed that he has no interest in New York or Los Angeles, meaning that perhaps a bigger market doesn’t suit his lifestyle. Houston is a warm (literally) place for the superstar to be in, without state income taxes either. Unlike New York or Los Angeles, the spotlight won’t be as bright, and Giannis can focus on basketball, which is what he probably wants.
The potential haul: Houston would have to include Sengun, plus Jabari Smith Jr. and second-year guard Reed Sheppard. In return? The two-time MVP, a top-5 player in the world, and the kind of transcendent talent that could vault the Rockets into immediate title contention.
Proposed Trade Details
Houston Rockets Receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, 2028 first-round pick
And here’s why Milwaukee might listen: Giannis is reportedly far from pleased with the front office’s handling of Damian Lillard, waiving him to stretch the contract and bring in Myles Turner, sparking deeper trade chatter. Despite securing a defensive anchor, the move reportedly does not sit well with Giannis, adding fuel to rumors he could push for a change of scenery.
Could Houston’s one-two punch of Durant and draft ammo give them the edge in a sweepstakes? Let’s dive into the trade details and how it could play out.
Houston Rockets Form A New Big Four: Giannis, Durant, VanVleet, Thompson
By adding Giannis Antetokounmpo (30.4 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 6.5 APG per game last season), an elite two-way force who shot 60.1 % from the floor, you instantly gain a transcendent MVP-caliber superstar to pair with Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson, and Fred VanVleet. Giannis’s efficiency rank in FG% (6th in NBA) and his dominant rebounding (6th at 11.9 RPG) make him the engine for both half-court and transition offense.
His addition complements Houston’s current system, amplifying its inside-out threat. Amen Thompson’s steady 14.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, off the bench ensures continuity and offensive balance around the Big Four.
Coach Ime Udoka would also be in a strong position to coach a dominant defensive player, the best he has ever had, without disrespect to Marcus Smart or the young Amen Thompson. In fact, Thompson can learn the ropes from Giannis on how to defend at a high level, be it from the perimeter or the post.
Giannis and Durant would also form the most dominant two-way duo since Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in terms of an inside-outside presence. The Rockets, as currently constructed, are looking up at the Oklahoma City Thunder, but that won’t be the case anymore with The Greek Freak.
Milwaukee Bucks Push The Reset Button Perfectly
Milwaukee receives a haul featuring a frontcourt cornerstone in Alperen Sengun, who averaged 19.1 PPG, 10.3 RPG, and 4.9 APG with 45 double-doubles last season, showcasing elite rim-touch and playmaking from the 5 spot. Jabari Smith Jr., at 12.2 PPG, 7.0 RPG on 35.4 % from three, adds youth wing upside.
Then there’s freshman sharpshooter Reed Sheppard (4.4 PPG in 12.6 MPG) plus a 2028 first-round pick, one of the league’s strongest young cores to help rebuild or retool at low cost. After all, the Bucks need youth.
Waiving Damian Lillard has accelerated their rebuild process, and a trio of young Rockets players joining forces with the newly acquired Myles Turner (15.6 PPG, 2.0 BPG) makes a lot of sense. The first-round pick is another major plus, considering Durant might not even be in the league by that time, or at least on his last legs.
A Blockbuster Trade That The Rockets Must Make To Win The West
This trade is not just bold, it’s a playoff-caliber push. Giannis and Durant give Houston two generational 7-foot scorers who demand constant help defensively, immediately inflating spacing for VanVleet and Thompson. Plus, VanVleet’s 14.1 PPG, 5.5 APG last regular season anchors backcourt decision-making.
While the frontcourt sacrifice stings, adding draft capital and youth gives Houston flexibility to fill that hole. They also have Steven Adams and Clint Capela to be thrust into the starting center role to replace Sengun. The likes of Tari Eason, Aaron Holiday, and even Jae’Sean Tate can play bigger roles with Smith Jr. and Sheppard departing.
With this ambition, the Rockets signal they’re not just rebuilding, they’re vying for a Western Conference crown now. With Durant likely in his last two or three seasons, that should be the goal for Rafael Stone, Ime Udoka, and the entire organization.
