Giannis Antetokounmpo has been at the center of trade speculation, and earlier this summer, rumors suggested the Houston Rockets might pursue him. Alperen Sengun, now the focal point of the Rockets franchise after Jalen Green was traded for Kevin Durant, was reportedly considered a key piece in a potential package to land the two-time MVP, highlighting how unpredictable NBA trades can be.
The Rockets’ star spoke on ‘The Zach Lowe Show,’ noting that he remains confident in his game and unfazed by trade rumors, but acknowledged that in the NBA, anything can happen.
“I mean, I wasn’t worried about it at all, I would say. And you know, it can happen. It might not happen. I’m having a great season. I think nothing can affect me right now. Especially, social media can’t affect me at all,” shared the Rockets star big man.
“If something is going to happen, it will happen. But you know, I think they trust me, and you know, I give my heart to this team, playing every night.”
Is Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Rockets in exchange for Alperen Sengun?
The Turkish All-Star is posting averages of 23.5 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game, connecting on 50.0% of his shots from the field and 35.1% from three-point range, positioning him as a strong candidate for both an All-Star appearance and a potential All-NBA team spot this season.
Including Sengun in a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo would have been rather ironic, considering their playful exchanges at EuroBasket this past summer.
The Rockets’ front office would not risk trading Sengun for Giannis Antetokounmpo without first evaluating how Giannis would fit alongside Kevin Durant. On top of that, Antetokounmpo recently made it clear in a press conference that he has not requested a trade.
Houston’s management does not appear willing to rush into forming a superteam with Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, preferring instead to continue developing their younger core.
