The Houston Rockets still have their eyes on Giannis Antetokounmpo, but landing the Milwaukee Bucks superstar won’t be easy as the offseason gets underway.
According to The Athletic’s Kelly Iko, Giannis “remains a target” for the Rockets, though there’s been growing “uncertainty” about whether Milwaukee will actually make him available.
If the Bucks do decide to listen to offers, the asking price could be a major hurdle.
Milwaukee would likely demand multiple draft picks in any potential deal.
NBA insider Marc Stein doesn’t think the Bucks will trade their franchise cornerstone “unless he pushes it” – meaning Giannis would need to formally request a trade.
ESPN’s Shams Charania added fuel to the speculation when he reported that Antetokounmpo is “open-minded about exploring whether his best long-term fit is remaining in Milwaukee or playing elsewhere.”
## Competition for Giannis Heating Up
The Rockets aren’t alone in their pursuit of the Greek superstar.
Eastern Conference teams like the Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, and Boston Celtics have all been linked to Antetokounmpo. The San Antonio Spurs have also thrown their hat into the ring, according to NBA insiders.
Doug Smith of The Toronto Star recently reported mutual interest between Giannis and the Raptors.
Smith believes Toronto is “uniquely placed to make an attractive offer that won’t ruin their franchise or roster.”
“I would make the case that a logjam at the wings makes them deep enough that if they had to pay even two out of Gradey Dick, Ochai Agbaji, Ja’Kobe Walter, RJ Barrett, Jonathan Mogbo would still leave enough to fill out a pretty good team with promising young players still developing,” Smith wrote.
## The Price of Greatness
Giannis isn’t just any NBA star – he’s a nine-time All-Star, two-time MVP, and led the Bucks to a championship in 2021, earning Finals MVP honors along the way.
His on-court production matches his reputation. This past season, he averaged a career-high-tying 30.4 points per game.
He also pulled down 11.9 rebounds and dished 6.5 assists while shooting an incredible 60.1% from the field.
Any team trading for Antetokounmpo will need to account for his massive contract. According to Spotrac, he’s set to make about $54.12 million next season and $58.45 million in 2026-27.
His deal includes a $62.78 million player option for the 2027-28 season.
For the Rockets or any other team, the question isn’t just about what they’d give up to get him – it’s whether they can afford to pay him while still building a competitive roster around him.
