The Milwaukee Bucks and franchise superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo are attracting attention from NBA teams as they start 1-4. NBA executives say there is growing expectation that Antetokounmpo could be eliminated if the Bucks don’t start winning.

Bill Reiter of CBS Sports reported that an anonymous Western Conference executive said, “Teams are circling and hopeful. » Another told Reiter that the Greek Freak could be traded before the Feb. 6 deadline and that he “wouldn’t be surprised.”

According to Reiter, Antetokounmpo’s preferred trade destinations would be the Miami Heat or the Brooklyn Nets. However, how possible is it that the Houston Rockets are in play?

The Bucks will likely accede to Antetokounmpo’s demands if he prefers to join a specific team, but Houston has the assets to go after the future Hall-of-Famer.

The Rockets have a young core of players drafted between 2021 and 2024, more 10 first-round picks by 2031. The payoff will be great for someone of Antetokounmpo’s caliber, but the Rockets may be worth it.

Houston is currently led by stars Alperen Sengun and Jalen Green, but neither of those two should be given up for the Bucks to deal Houston Antetokounmpo. Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard could all be traded along with multiple first-round picks, unless Milwaukee specifically expresses a desire for someone like Sengun or Green.

The Rockets would be smart to go after the 29-year-old and wouldn’t have to worry too much about his near-term future with the franchise. Antetokounmpo’s contract has a player option for the 2027-28 season, but even if he opts out, he would be with his new team for at least two seasons. If the superstar opts out of the 2027-28 season, he will enter unrestricted free agency at age 34.

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