The Houston Rockets have stayed relatively quiet on the trade front this season, but with the deadline looming on Thursday, that silence might not last much longer.
Injuries have hit Houston at a tough time, especially with veteran center Steven Adams now ruled out for the season due to an ankle injury. That’s a significant blow for a team that’s relied on its frontcourt depth. Add to that the ongoing chatter about the need for a true floor general-especially with Fred VanVleet also likely sidelined for the year-and there’s a growing sense that the Rockets could be one move away from shaking things up.
And if they’re looking to make noise, there’s no bigger name floating in the rumor mill than Giannis Antetokounmpo.
According to recent reporting, Houston has the kind of assets that could vault them to the front of the line if Milwaukee ever decides to explore a trade involving their two-time MVP. The hypothetical offer?
A package built around Alperen Sengun and the coveted Phoenix draft picks, which remain among the most valuable assets in the league. That kind of deal would immediately grab the Bucks’ attention.
The Rockets’ war chest is no joke. Between Sengun, rising stars like Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr., and a stash of high-upside picks, Houston has the flexibility to make a blockbuster move-if they’re willing to part with their young core.
So far, there’s been no indication they’re looking to move on from those pieces. But if the right opportunity presents itself?
That’s when things get interesting.
One proposed framework being floated includes Sengun, Jabari, and picks in exchange for Antetokounmpo and Kyle Kuzma. It's a bold swing, no doubt.
But it’s the kind of offer that forces a front office to pause and think. For Milwaukee, it could represent a clean pivot toward the future.
For Houston, it would be an all-in move, signaling they’re done waiting and ready to contend now.
The Rockets have been a scrappy, competitive squad in the West this season. But the question remains: can they hang with the heavyweights like Denver and Oklahoma City when the playoffs roll around?
Losing Adams and VanVleet certainly complicates that equation. Without a reliable anchor in the paint or a seasoned hand to run the offense, Houston’s ceiling feels a bit lower than it did a few weeks ago.
That’s why the next few days could be pivotal. The trade deadline hits Thursday at 3:00 p.m.
ET. Whether the Rockets decide to swing big or stay the course, their next move-or lack thereof-will say a lot about how they view this season and beyond.