Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo predicted to join Western Conference foe in blockbuster trade

While some teams are still fighting for an NBA championship, others are laying out their offseason plans.

This includes the Milwaukee Bucks, who have some tough decisions to make following a first-round exit at the hands of the Indiana Pacers.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has been at the center of rumors all season, hinting that he would be willing to join another team for the first time in his career.

One destination makes perfect sense: Houston.

The Rockets were just eliminated in the first round by the Warriors. Between their trove of draft picks and deep list of solid players, Houston could be the team to offer the best package for a superstar.

On a new episode of the "Bill Simmons Podcast," Simmons and Ryen Russillo examined what a trade would look like for Giannis between the Bucks and Rockets.

"It's gonna be (Alperen) Sengun, Jabari (Smith), Jalen Green," Simmons said. "Three of those guys and a bunch of picks for Giannis."

Houston owns Phoenix's first-round pick and OKC's second rounder in this year's draft. They have two seconds in 2026 and then two firsts in 2027. 

Simmons also referenced the Rockets' depth and how they can trade assets while also surrounding Giannis with a complete roster.

"We'll resign (Fred) VanVleet for the extra year, we'll keep (Dillon) Brooks, we'll have Giannis, we'll have (Amen) Thompson," Simmons continued. "They have the best chance to overpay and put Giannis in a situation."

"They also have the best chance to give Milwaukee guys back. Milwaukee can't tank because they don't have their picks," he added.

Rockets-Bucks trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Rockets get:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks get:

• Alperen Sengun
• Dillon Brooks
• Jalen Green
• Jabari Smith
• 2025 first-round pick (PHX)
• 2027 first-round pick (PHX) 
• 2028 pick swap

This trade would give the Bucks a load of picks to plan for the future accompanied by an All-Star center and several key pieces. Brooks would likely need to be included to match salaries as he's making $22 million a year. 

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Amen Thompson could be the key piece that swings the trade one way or another.

"You can't put Thompson in the deal," Simmons said. "If I'm Milwaukee I'm saying the whole summer Thompson has to be in the deal. We're doing that dance back and forth."

In the end, if the Rockets are desperate enough they could be willing to offer whatever it takes. They struggled in the first round against the Warriors with scoring and clearly need an alpha superstar to elevate their team. 

Giannis could be the guy, it's just a question of if the Bucks are willing to tango with Houston this offseason.

MORE: Raptors' Giannis Antetokounmpo trade pitch could shake up NBA with Bucks blockbuster