Kevin Durant once said that a team would need at least 10 players – four of the starting five and six draft picks – to be able to get Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks. What about a rising star that already made it to the All-Star Game.
Current betting odds have the Houston Rockets emerging as the favorites to become a trade partner by the Bucks for ‘dissatisfied’ Antetokounmpo. It was, however, not revealed what package they would prepare to make the deal inviting.
The consensus is that the Western Conference team, which finished no. 2 in the Western Conference this season after missing the playoffs last year, has a great roster of young player ready for development.
Among them are Jalen Green, their top scorer, Tari Eason, Cam Whitmore, Amen Thompson, and one-time All-Star Alperen Sengun.
These guys play well alongside veterans Fred Van Vleet, Steven Adams, and Dillon Brooks, reason why many critics think they overachieved this season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo for Alperen Sengun and more
Kelly Iko and Sam Amick of The Athletic said it is the Rockets that have the best assets to get someone like the Greek Freak, a two-time MVP who averaged 30 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in the regular season.
They suggested that the Rockets find the idea of inserting Alperen Sengun in the package ‘intriguing’.
Iko and Amick noted that slotting in Antetokounmpo with Alperen Şengün, currently the top option in Houston, could lead to “challenges” while restructuring the Rockets’ offense. If the Bucks make Antetokounmpo available, the Rockets will need to decide if these difficulties and parting ways with multiple young stars would be worth it to bring in one of the best players in the NBA.
As for the Bucks, they can’t lose Antetokounmpo without getting something in return. They need to get young.
However, losing Antetokounmpo, even for a young rising star, might make the front office unpopular to the fan base, just like what happened to Nico Harrison when he traded Luka Doncic.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!
