Why Rockets would be wise to trade young All-Star to get Giannis Antetokounmpo

Heading into the 2025 NBA offseason, the Houston Rockets are one team many around the league are watching. Armed with a war chest of assets, the team seems to be open to any possibility of a major upgrade. 

In recent weeks, the Rockets have been connected to Giannis Antetokounmpo. After another playoff exit in the first round, developments emerged that the former MVP is "open-minded" about a change of scenery for the first time in his career. 

When it comes to hypothetical trades that land Giannis in Houston, Jalen Green is often the key piece involved. However, recent news suggests that the former No. 2 pick isn't the only notable talent on the table. Insider Kurt Helin recently reported that the Rockets are open to the idea of moving Alperen Sengun for the Bucks star. 

"Houston would be open to trading Alperen Sengun, league sources told NBC Sports, but the Bucks may be higher on a Jalen Green-based trade (depending on how they rate Green). Jabari Smith Jr. is likely part of any deal, and the Rockets have a lot of future first-round picks — their own and others, such as Brooklyn and Phoenix picks — that could be part of the trade. It likely takes a third team to make the math work, but it’s very doable."