As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s name has once again found its way into the rumor mill-this time, loosely tied to the Houston Rockets. But despite the noise, the reality on the ground suggests this is more smoke than fire.
Let’s rewind a bit. Houston had been linked to Antetokounmpo during the previous offseason, but those whispers never gained traction.
The Rockets ultimately shifted focus and pulled off a blockbuster for Kevin Durant instead. At no point did Milwaukee engage in talks, and there was no indication Giannis was looking to leave.
Fast forward to now-Milwaukee is struggling, sitting outside the playoff picture, and naturally, the speculation has bubbled back up. But according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Houston’s stance hasn’t changed a bit. Speaking on The Hoop Collective podcast, MacMahon emphasized that the Rockets are staying the course.
“I know Perk was on TV on Tuesday morning, talking about Giannis to Houston,” MacMahon said. “I’m just telling you that is not in play.
I did check in…and I got a four-word response that was: ‘As patient as ever.’ So, don’t hold your breath for the Rockets to make a big deal.”
That message wasn’t just a brush-off-it was a clear signal from within the Rockets' front office. Houston isn’t budging. And there’s good reason for that.
Let’s talk leverage and timing. Antetokounmpo is 31, still very much in his prime, and playing at an elite level.
That means Milwaukee, even amid a rough stretch, holds the cards. Any team hoping to land Giannis would need to come to the table with a haul-premium draft picks, plus at least one high-upside, young cornerstone.
For Houston, that likely means parting with someone like Amen Thompson or Alperen Sengun. Both are still early in their NBA journeys and have become foundational pieces in the Rockets’ long-term plans.
Giving up that kind of talent-plus future assets-for a win-now star like Giannis would compress Houston’s competitive window. And that’s a tough sell when the team is already winning and trending in the right direction.
This isn’t about a lack of ambition. It’s about timing. The Rockets are choosing patience over panic, and that restraint speaks volumes about how they view their current trajectory.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated moment that added a bit of awkwardness to the Bucks’ current situation, head coach Doc Rivers found himself in the spotlight for a different reason. After a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Rivers was asked about Joel Embiid-a player he coached during his time in Philly. Rivers didn’t hold back in his praise.
“Joel is the most talented player I’ve ever coached,” he said.
It was a glowing endorsement, but the timing raised eyebrows. Giannis is currently sidelined with a calf injury, and Milwaukee has been struggling without him.
With trade rumors swirling and the Bucks searching for some sort of rhythm, Rivers’ comment felt, at best, tone-deaf. It wasn’t a dig at Antetokounmpo, but it did feel like an unforced error in a moment when clarity and support for your franchise player matter most.
In the end, none of this changes Giannis’ status. He’s still the face of the Bucks, and Milwaukee still holds the power.
But as rumors continue to swirl and the deadline looms, it’s clear Houston isn’t playing into the frenzy. They’re standing pat-for now-and keeping their young core intact.
And that might be the smartest move of all.