Is Houston the Next Home for Giannis? With Sengun on the Table, Rockets Are All-In

The NBA offseason hasn't officially begun, but the league is already on fire. The biggest name on the rumor mill? Giannis Antetokounmpo. For the first time in his career, the two-time MVP is reportedly open to the idea of leaving Milwaukee. According to insider Shams Charania, Giannis is actively evaluating potential destinations and is no longer committed to finishing his career with the Bucks.

That bombshell alone was enough to send shockwaves across the NBA. Every team—regardless of cap space, trade assets, or timeline—has suddenly found itself in the hypothetical "Giannis sweepstakes." Yet amidst the chaos, one team is emerging not just as a dreamer but as a genuine contender: the Houston Rockets.

And no, this isn’t some fan-fueled fantasy. Sportsbooks and media outlets alike are placing Houston at the top of the list for Giannis' most likely landing spots. If that sounds wild, let’s break down why the Rockets might just be the most logical—and most dangerous—fit for the Greek Freak.

Houston’s Rise and Fall

The Rockets had a quietly impressive season, finishing second in the Western Conference, a remarkable leap for such a young team. But the playoff picture painted a different story. In the first round, they were stunned in a seven-game series by the battle-tested Golden State Warriors. The biggest flaw exposed in that matchup? A glaring lack of a reliable shot creator in crunch time.

That role—primary shot creator, half-court closer—was supposed to be filled via a blockbuster move. At various points, the Rockets were linked to Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Either star could’ve been the missing piece to take this team from playoff threat to legitimate contender.

But as we entered the offseason, the winds began to shift. According to a report from The Athletic:

• Despite Jalen Green’s wildly inconsistent playoff performance, the Rockets front office remains committed to his development. They are no longer pursuing Devin Booker, citing Booker’s age, declining performance, and massive $66 million contract over the next three years.

• Kevin Durant has serious interest in joining the Rockets, and the public perception has been that he’s the most likely “superstar splash.” But internal sources say the Rockets are hesitant. KD turns 37 next season, and his timeline doesn’t align with the Rockets' young core.

• Instead, Houston has shifted its full attention to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite the high cost—and make no mistake, the price will be steep—he’s the player Houston believes is worth the gamble.

The Cost of Greatness

Trading for Giannis isn’t going to be easy. He’s arguably a top-three player in the world, still in his prime, and under contract. That means any team hoping to acquire him must be ready to part with young stars, future picks, and potentially cornerstone players.

Bleacher Report recently floated a trade proposal that looks something like this:

Rockets receive:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks receive:

• Jalen Green

• Jabari Smith Jr.

• Reed Sheppard

• Cam Whitmore

• Three first-round picks

On paper, that seems like a haul. But context matters. Jalen Green had a horrendous postseason, playing well in one game and disappearing in six. Jabari Smith is approaching a major extension and hasn't yet proven he can be a star. Reed Sheppard and Cam Whitmore didn’t even see meaningful playoff minutes. And if the picks are post-Giannis, they’ll likely be in the 20s.

So, really, is that offer too rich? Not necessarily. For a top-five player in the league, it may even be considered a bargain, especially if it elevates the Rockets to contender status for the next 3–5 years.

No State Income Tax & A Big City Stage

Two other critical factors are making Houston an attractive destination for Giannis.

First, there’s the financial angle. Per Sam Amico, Giannis reportedly has a strong interest in relocating to a state with no income tax. Among the NBA teams that qualify: the Rockets, Spurs, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Magic, and Heat. Of that group, only the Rockets have both the young assets and market appeal to pull off a trade of this magnitude.

Second, there’s the market visibility. While Giannis has remained low-key off the court, recent comments suggest he’s aware of the legacy conversation. If he leaves Milwaukee, it will likely be for a team with a real chance to win and a bigger platform. That rules out smaller markets like Oklahoma City or New Orleans and shines the spotlight squarely on a city like Houston.

Sengun: Shockingly on the Table

Perhaps the most surprising development came from NBC’s Kurt Helin, who reported that the Rockets are open to including Alperen Sengun in trade discussions.

That’s… stunning.

Sengun is not just a fan favorite—he’s arguably the most valuable player on Houston’s roster. A 22-year-old All-Star who made a massive leap this past season, he’s been considered the cornerstone of the team’s rebuild. Many credit his development as a major reason Houston secured the No. 2 seed in the West.

So why would they consider trading him?

Simple. Giannis changes everything. He’s the kind of franchise-altering talent you mortgage the future for. And Sengun, as good as he is, presents a very real problem in terms of fit. If the Rockets land Giannis but keep Sengun and Amen Thompson, the spacing becomes an unsolvable mess. All three are non-shooters or at least inconsistent shooters. That clogs the paint, limits pick-and-roll flexibility, and creates a half-court offense that could grind to a halt in the playoffs.

Sengun might just be the cost of doing business.

Amen: The One Untouchable

One name that’s consistently been labeled “off-limits” in any trade talks is Amen Thompson. That makes sense. At just 21 years old, he’s already shown flashes of being a two-way star. Elite vision, freakish athleticism, and defensive upside make him the player with the highest ceiling on Houston’s roster.

The Rockets seem to agree. Per Sam Amico, everyone but Amen is on the table in a potential Giannis deal.

What Milwaukee Wants

From the Bucks’ perspective, the idea of trading Giannis isn’t ideal. But it might be necessary. They have a bloated payroll, limited draft assets, and an aging core. If Giannis is already mentally out the door, maximizing return becomes the priority.

And what would they want? Youth, flexibility, marketability.

Jalen Green checks a lot of those boxes. He’s only 23, still on a relatively cheap contract, has an exciting playing style, and comes with a high ceiling (even if the consistency isn’t there yet). Jabari Smith has a ton of defensive tools and floor-spacing potential. If you throw in Sheppard and Whitmore along with picks, the Bucks would suddenly have a fun young core to build around—something they’ve never truly had.

The Bigger Question

Of course, no deal is guaranteed. There are still moving parts. A surprise suitor (say, the Knicks or Lakers) could enter the picture. Giannis may have preferences we don’t yet know. And Milwaukee could still try to retool around him, however unlikely that seems.

But make no mistake: Houston is positioned better than almost anyone.

They have the assets.
They have the flexibility.
They have the urgency.
And most importantly, they have a vision.

This isn’t about trying to be good. It’s about trying to be great.

The Rockets know their current core—while promising—might not be enough to win it all. They need a face of the franchise who’s battle-tested. They need someone who has carried a team to a title before. They need someone like Giannis.

And if the price is Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, or even Alperen Sengun?

Then it’s a price worth paying.

Because if Giannis puts on a Rockets jersey next season, the entire balance of power in the Western Conference shifts. And just like that, the road to the Finals may run through Houston.