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Giannis Antetokounmpo Could Lose Key Teammate to West Contender

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Orlando Silva | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 2:02 PM ET

While Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with the Milwaukee Bucks remains a huge question mark, the Greek player could receive bad news from a Western Conference contender.

For the past four years, the Bucks tried to emulate the success they had in 2021 and win another NBA championship, but multiple setbacks, especially injuries, ruined their plans to add more silverware to their cabinet.

Antetokounmpo remains one of the best players in the NBA, finishing no lower than fourth in the MVP voting after he won back-to-back awards in 2019 and 2020. After another first-round playoff exit loss, his future with the Wisconsin franchise has become a recurrent topic around the association.

He's been linked with moves to the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks and Toronto Raptors, among others, but nothing has materialized so far.

The Houston Rockets, another team interested in Antetokounmpo's services, could hit him with terrible news if they can't retain Steven Adams. According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, if Adams leaves the Texas franchise, the Rockets would put their attention on Brook Lopez.

"If Adams leaves, team sources said the Rockets could reignite their interest in Brook Lopez. The 37-year-old, who averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game shooting 37 percent from 3 in Milwaukee last season, was previously a target for Houston and would theoretically be a fit, given his two-way production and health (played 237 games over the last three seasons).

"Houston is also anticipating conversations with Boston’s front office, with the assumption that the Celtics, who are in salary-reduction mode, will canvass the league looking to offload contracts."

Even when Khris Middleton was still a member of the Bucks, Lopez was the team's third-best player behind Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The veteran center was key to his team's plans with his ability to stretch the floor and attack the basket.

The Rockets are one of the most intriguing teams in the league, who are fresh off a second-seeded finish in the 2024-25 NBA season. They have a solid combination of youth and experience, which Lopez could fit into seamlessly.

Antetokounmpo's future remains a mystery, but this potential move could open the door for new alternatives for the big man.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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