Rockets expand trade to exchange Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are hard to refuse, ensuring the end of next season

The latest report from the well-known NBA reporter Shams Sharania, after the Rockets traded Kevin Durant, plans to continue to introduce an All-Star player in the offseason, including introducing Antetokounmpo with a price that the Bucks cannot refuse, to build a team that ensures defeating the Thunder.

"I think the Rockets will be the Thunder's biggest opponent in two consecutive championships next season." Saranya said, "The reason why the Rockets ended the Thunder is not just because they got Durant through a relatively low price, but more importantly, the Rockets still have the opportunity to trade with another superstar. The Rockets are still well prepared and ready to launch fierce trades against another star player at any time." The Rockets already have a very balanced lineup with both offense and defense, and the team's age structure is also very suitable. There are core players like Durant and Van Vleet who have won the championship, as well as young and young players like Shin Kyung and Amen Thompson who are in the rising stage. Head coach Uduka also has experience in coaching the finals.

Rockets ranked second in the Western Conference with 52 wins and 30 losses this season. This is the team's first time since the 2019-20 season, but unfortunately they were eliminated from the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs. The Rockets got Durant, and only Jaylen Green and Dillon Brooks were lost in the main lineup this season. Considering the addition of superstars of Durant's level, the Rockets' true strength has undoubtedly improved to a higher level. Rockets general manager Raphael Stone made it clear that in addition to Durant, he will continue to form a team around Shin Kyung, Thompson and Reed Shepard as the core, while continuing to introduce another All-Star player with his best efforts.

"Boss Fertitta, general manager Stone and the Rockets coaching staff believe that the team has reached the level of competing for the championship, but this advantage needs to be consolidated." Shams Sharania said, "Given the strength of competitors such as the Thunder, Timberwolves, Mavericks, Nuggets, and Warriors, the Rockets management has decided to make bigger deals in the future." The Rockets are paying close attention to superstars of Antetokounmpo and will put the remaining trading chips on the negotiating table at any time. Antetokounmpo has not yet asked to leave the Bucks, and it seems that the possibility of applying for a trade during the offseason is not high, but this possibility is not completely ruled out.

The Rockets have achieved a very good position for a young and progressive team. "The Rockets have every reason to make a bolder layout for Durant's trading and possible future trading options in the trading market." Salanya said. The Rockets only traded the Suns' 10th pick in the first round of 2025. In the future, the Rockets will have their own draft picks and the Suns' two first-round draft picks. In other words, the Rockets can also offer at least six first-round picks for the Antetokounmpo trade, while packing Jabarry Smith and even Amen Thompson to deliver.

"For the Bucks, it will be difficult for them to refuse such a offer if the Rockets send out a large number of draft picks and young players." Sarania said. "The Rockets management is asking about the attitude of the Bucks management, and at least general manager Jon Horst did not refuse such conversations." Sarania revealed that the Antetokounmpo deal was not completely excluded from the discussion, and the Bucks had no better choice. Antetokounmpo will not refuse to have the opportunity to join the Rockets now. He has expressed his desire to win the championship again. If there is no chance to register, he will accept leaving Milwaukee.

The Thunder may be one of the weakest championship teams in the past decade. After Durant's trade is completed, the Rockets will undoubtedly become the team most likely to end the Thunder's consecutive championship next season. "The Rockets want to ensure that they can easily defeat the Thunder in the playoffs." Sharania said, "The Rockets management believes that after Durant arrives, he will have the strength to fight against the top Western Conference teams, including against the Thunder. However, the Rockets want to truly face the strong Western Conference teams with absolute advantage, make another big deal, and continue to add an All-Star player, which is undoubtedly the work that Stone needs to complete."

{joined Antetokounmpo to join forces with Durant, and added All-Star center Shin Kyung, the Rockets' hard strength will lead the league's top teams. "It is obvious that the Rockets are fully prepared for the trade of Antetokounmpo and are also making the best preparations for defeating the defending champion Thunder."