ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 7: Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on November 7, 2022 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA rumors: Houston Rockets ‘open to trading’ their top star in Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster..
A new report claims the Houston Rockets are open to including top star Alperen Sengun in a potential summer trade for two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Pause
Unmute
According to NBC Sports NBA insider Kurt Helin, “Houston would be open to trading Alperen Sengun, league sources” said. However, he did note that the organization has “optionality.” Fellow young stud and former first-round pick Jalen Green could end up being more appealing to the Milwaukee Bucks instead.
The Rockets have been linked to a blockbuster trade for a top-10 talent for months, with Phoenix Suns All-Star Kevin Durant the player most often mentioned in various rumors. However, in recent weeks, Houston has emerged as a front-runner in a potential Antetokounmpo trade this summer. Alongside fellow Texas NBA franchise, the San Antonio Spurs.
Related: Fred VanVleet expected to do huge favor for Houston Rockets to help boost roster for title run
houston rockets
Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Sengun has been one of the notable success stories since Ime Udoka was hired to be the team’s head coach. While he showed signs of progress in his sophomore season, he took a big leap forward in 2023-24. Posting 21.1 points and 9.3 points per game last season. However, this year he proved that it was no fluke and earned All-Star honors for the first time as the centerpiece of a team that had the second-best record in a tough Western Conference.
Feedback
However, the Rockets being ousted in Round 1 of the NBA Playoffs showed they are still far off from being a serious title contender out West. Sengun would be a big loss. But Giannis Antetokounmpo would give them the undisputed No. 1 scoring option they lacked in the postseason. Furthermore, they would remain an elite defensive squad after a potential deal.
Helin also added that “Jabari Smith Jr. is likely part of any deal.” And that the Rockets “have a lot of future first-round picks that could be part of the trade.” While he believes they would need to involve a third team to get an agreement done, a multi-team deal is “very doable.”
Related: Houston Rockets to explore multiple blockbuster trades, including Devin Booker
Rockets Open To Trading Alperen Sengun For Giannis Antetokounmpo Per Reports…
The Rockets are reportedly open to trading Alperen Sengun in a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Chaitanya DadhwalUpdated:May 16, 2025Original:May 15, 2025
Milwaukee Bucks Archive
Alperen Sengun
Houston Rockets Archive
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Comment
Ever since the Bucks’ season ended, the questions around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future have flooded the NBA media. After a recent report from ESPN’s Shams Charania claimed Antetokounmpo is open to considering a future away from Milwaukee, analysts around the world started looking at potential landing spots for the Bucks’ superstar.
Following this, sources claimed the Houston Rockets and the San Antonio Spurs were frontrunners to land Giannis Antetokounmpo in a trade. Now, according to a report from NBC Sports, the Rockets are open to considering trading Alperen Sengun if it means getting Giannis Antetokounmpo to Houston.
Full screen
The Perfect Landing Spot For Every NBA Star Who Could Be Traded, Including Giannis Antetokounmpo And Kevin DurantThe Perfect Landing Spot For Every NBA Star Who Could Be Traded, Including Giannis Antetokounmpo And Kevin Durant
Read More
The Turkish All-Star had a breakout season last year, where he nearly averaged a double-double. After signing a max extension with the Rockets last summer, Sengun averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 76 games this season. At only 22 years of age, Sengun may be a young star who is promising enough for the Bucks to consider trading Antetokounmpo for.
However, the report also states that the Bucks may prefer a trade package centered around Jalen Green instead of Sengun. It also says Jabari Smith Jr will likely be included in the trade package. However, we believe the Rockets can find a trade for Giannis without giving either of these two young players up.
At age 30, Giannis Antetokounmpo is in the prime of his career. This season, he averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 67 games played. He could be the superstar that the Rockets need to become a true title contender after exiting in the first round of the Playoffs despite a home-court advantage and the No. 2 seed in the season.
About The Author
