5 for 1 to chase Durant, 4 for 1 to chase Antetokounmpo! 2 transaction plans can help the Rockets become the top NBA goal

2024-25 regular season, the Houston Rockets were like an awakened lion, showing remarkable strong competitiveness. They have overcome all obstacles and finally ranked second in the Western Conference with an impressive record of 52 wins and 30 losses, and have become a strong team that cannot be underestimated in the NBA. Under the careful training of head coach Uduka, the Rockets have been transformed into a team known for their iron-blooded defense. Every defense is like a wall of iron, making it difficult for the opponent to overcome. However, the cruel journey of the playoffs poured cold water on the Rockets. In the seven fierce battles with the Golden State Warriors in the first round, the two sides fought back and forth, and each game was in a dark and dark way. But in the end, the Rockets still lost regretfully and had no choice but to end their playoff journey early. This result is like a sharp scalpel, ruthlessly revealing the team's current shortcomings: if you want to truly become a champion contender, relying on the existing core lineup alone is far from enough. The team urgently needs to introduce a real superstar and inject the team with the key strength to win the championship, just like installing a powerful core engine in a sophisticated machine.

In order to achieve the grand goal of winning the championship, according to US media, the Rockets have set their sights accurately on the two superstars - two-time MVP Antetokounmpo and Durant, who was selected as the All-Star 15 times. It is reported that Houston has long been interested in Antetokounmpo, and the desire is like the long-drought land looking forward to the rain. The Phoenix Suns have recently lowered their asking price for Durant. This news is undoubtedly like a spring breeze, making potential transactions more feasible and bringing new dawn to the Rockets' path to strengthening. The Rockets plan to retain rising star Amen Thompson while introducing these two superstars. In previous trading discussions, he has been regarded as a non-sale product for the team and a hope star for the team's future. Next, let’s analyze in-depth how the Rockets built a new "Big Three" lineup through a series of exquisite trading operations.

Rockets trade Antetokounmpo: A key step to reshaping the team's structure

Potential trading plan

Houston Rockets get: Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks get: Shen Jing, Jaylen Green, the 10th pick in 2025, the 59th pick in 2025, the trading impact analysis

For the Rockets, the successful introduction of Antetokounmpo will undoubtedly be an epoch-making change, just like a huge rock invested in the long history of the team, causing layers of turmoil. This two-time MVP winner and a regular player in the NBA's best lineup will bring the Rockets an elite-level defensive ability. He is like a moving Great Wall on the defensive end, making his opponent's offense come back every time; he also has unparalleled athletic talent, and every breakthrough and every dunk is full of strength and passion; he also has championship-level game experience, and these valuable experiences will become the team's magic weapon for winning at critical moments. His overall dominance on both offense and defense is the superstar trait that the Rockets urgently need in high-end competition. It is like equiping the team with an extremely sharp sword to overcome obstacles on the field.

Of course, the Rockets paid a very high price for this. The team's cornerstone Shin Kyung (19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds per game) and Jaylen Green (21.0 points, 4.6 rebounds per game) will leave the team. They are like the team's two brilliant stars, bringing countless surprises and hopes to the team. At the same time, it has to take advantage of 2 valuable draft picks, which is undoubtedly a difficult choice made by the team in pursuit of the championship. However, in the long run, combining Antetokounmpo with Amen Thompson and potential Kevin Durant is expected to create a core squad with championship strength. This is like cleverly inlaid several dazzling gems together, emitting an extremely dazzling light. This investment is undoubtedly of great value.

Antesco will become the new leader of the Rockets, and is even highly expected to become the greatest player of the team since Hakeim Olajuwon. His dominance on both ends of the offense and defense is enough to be comparable to the greatest center in history, and his performance on the field is like writing a legend. Coach Uduka is full of expectations for this deal. He is eager to make the "Greek Monster" the team's offensive and defensive core and build an impeccable tactical system around him. After all, during his time with the Bucks this season, Antetokounmpo still averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game, which shows his strength. He is like a god of war on the court, unstoppable.

For the Bucks, the deal provides them with an opportunity to rebuild. By obtaining two potential new stars, Shin Kyung and Green, as well as additional draft picks, the team can reorganize the roster around young players, laying a solid foundation for future success. This is like sowing the seeds of hope on a barren land, waiting for the future to harvest fruitful results.

Durant joins the Rockets: a mutually beneficial and win-win deal

Potential deal details

Houston Rockets get: Kevin Durant

Phoenix Suns get: Jabbarry Smith Jr., Whitmore White Warcraft, Shepard, 2031 first-round draft pick (Rockets), 2031 second-round draft pick (Rockets)

Trading impact analysis

If Durant is successfully introduced, it will bring rich veteran leadership and elite-level scoring ability to the Rockets. Durant averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game this season, and shot up to 43.0% of his three-point shooting percentage. He is like a scoring machine on the field, and every move makes his opponent terrified.. His game experience and comprehensive skills make him an ideal partner for Antetokounmpo and Amen Thompson. The three are expected to form one of the most powerful trio in the league, just like three sharp swords, invincible on the field.

In the team lineup, Antetokounmpo dominates the inside. He is like a beast, shaking the inside. Amen Thompson performed well in defensive counterattacks. He is fast and has a strong impact, and is the vanguard of the team's counterattack; Durant uses his precise outside shooting ability to improve the team's space and also provides strong firepower support for the Rockets' offensive end. The Rockets also had two stars in the playoffs who could shoot a final goal at critical moments. They were like the team's stabilizing force, stabilizing morale at critical moments. Even though he is close to 37 years old, Durant still has the ability to easily score 25 points in the game. His joining will undoubtedly make up for the Rockets' lack of scoring ability at critical moments, allowing the team to no longer lose track at critical moments.

Of course, in order to get Durant, the Rockets need to send away some potential young players and future draft picks. But from the perspective of the overall development of the team, the upgrade of combat power and experience brought by this deal is very likely to push the Rockets to quickly become the ranks of championship contenders. This is like injecting a shot of a heart-warming shot into the team, making the team instantly full of vitality and fighting spirit. In addition, Durant's rich game experience will also become a valuable asset for young players such as Amen Thompson, helping them grow rapidly on the field, just like an experienced mentor, leading young players to continue to improve.

For the Suns, this deal is in line with the team's potential reconstruction strategy. By obtaining young and promising players like Jabbarry Smith Jr., Whitmore and Shepard, as well as future draft capital, the team can create a new core lineup for future development. Considering that Durant's trading value has decreased, it is reasonable for the Suns to accept such a trading plan, which is like making a wise choice at the right time, paving the way for the team's future.

The Rockets form a championship-level starting lineup: the future is promising

After successfully introducing Antetokounmpo and Durant, the Rockets are expected to form a very competitive starting lineup: Van Vritte, Dillon Brooks, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, and Antetokounmpo. This starting lineup cleverly combines the calmness of the veteran and the vitality of young players. The veterans are like the team's stabilization needle, stabilizing the situation at critical moments; the young players are full of passion and motivation, injecting continuous motivation into the team. Create a team with balanced offense and defense and full of combat effectiveness, and is fully capable of competing with the league's mighty power.

Van Vreet (14.1 points, 5.6 assists per game) provides the team with a stable organizational ability in the point guard position. He is like the team's brain, accurately controlling the rhythm of the game; Dillon Brooks (14.0 points, 3.7 rebounds per game) adds tough defensive hardness to the team on the wings. He is like the team's guardian, blocking opponents' offense again and again; Amen Thompson complements Durant's scoring ability and Giannis's overall dominance with his outstanding athleticism and organizational talent. Their cooperation is like a wonderful symphony, harmonious and wonderful.

Under Uduka's careful training, this team is expected to implement a flexible and efficient game plan, and quickly adjust tactics according to different opponents and game situations. On the offensive end, the team is fully fired, and every attack is like a wonderful performance, feasting the audience; on the defensive end, the advantages are fully displayed, and every defense is like a solid line of defense, which discourages the opponent. In this way, the Rockets will undoubtedly become a strong contender for the championship. They are like a giant ship about to set sail, moving forward bravely towards the other side of the championship. Now, the Rockets have rich trading chips and are in line with the conditions to pursue these two superstars with all their might. At this critical moment, going all out to exchange for one of the two great players of the contemporary era, Giannis and Durant, is undoubtedly the best choice for the team to strive for the championship. Let us look forward to the Rockets creating glory in the future field!