The Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes are officially heating up, and the Houston Rockets intend to be one of the most aggressive bidders.
With next season being the final year of Giannis’ current contract and Milwaukee’s ownership making it clear they will trade the two-time MVP if he declines a long-term extension, the superstar’s future has become the biggest story looming over the 2026 offseason.
NBA insider Chris Mannix confirmed Houston’s serious interest during a recent interview with Rachel Nichols on Sports Illustrated.
Rockets Have Strong Interest In Giannis Trade This Offseason
“Look, the Giannis thing is out there, and I believe that they’re going to try to make a run at him in the offseason, so that looms,” Mannix said. “But if they don’t get him, I don’t think the result of this year is hit the nuke button on some of the stuff.”
Mannix added that the rumor exists for a reason and that he fully expects the Rockets to put together their best possible offer. However, he emphasized that Houston won’t blow up the core just for the sake of it — Giannis is the one player who would be worth taking that massive risk.
The Rockets have built one of the most promising young rosters in the league, and adding a two-time MVP and Defensive Player of the Year would instantly transform them from a rising contender into a legitimate title favorite in the Western Conference.
What Could Houston Offer Milwaukee?
Constructing a trade package for Giannis would require Houston to part with significant assets. The most tempting pieces for the Bucks would likely be young rising stars such as Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, and Jabari Smith Jr. Milwaukee could realistically ask for two of those names as the centerpiece of the return.
The Bucks might also push hard for Alperen Şengün to acquire an established All-Star-caliber big man to build around. Draft picks would obviously be part of any deal, but Houston’s own first-rounders lose value because the Rockets are expected to contend for the next several seasons. A pick swap with the rebuilding Brooklyn Nets could become more attractive to Milwaukee.
Veterans like Dorian Finney-Smith and Steven Adams would likely need to be included to make salaries work under NBA trade rules. No matter how the package is structured, Houston would be giving up a massive haul — far more than the average fan might initially realize — to land a player of Giannis’ caliber.
Other Teams Ready to Join the Giannis Sweepstakes
If Antetokounmpo does become available, Houston won’t be alone in the pursuit. The New York Knicks and Miami Heat have long been viewed as the two most natural landing spots based on Giannis’ past comments and relationships.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are also expected to make strong pushes, even though neither team had realistic title hopes this season. Both franchises have the star power and market appeal to entice both Giannis and the Bucks with creative offers this summer.
Other dark-horse teams will undoubtedly emerge as well. It’s extremely rare for a talent of Giannis’ level to hit the trade block, especially with only one year left on his deal. While some teams may be hesitant to give up too much for a player entering the final year of his contract, the sheer number of interested suitors should still drive Milwaukee’s asking price sky high.
For the Rockets, this represents a potential franchise-altering opportunity. They’ve built a strong foundation with young talent and cap flexibility. Landing Giannis would accelerate their contention timeline dramatically and immediately change the balance of power in the Western Conference.
Whether Houston can actually pull off the blockbuster remains to be seen, but according to insiders, they are absolutely going to try.
The summer of 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most dramatic offseasons in recent NBA history — and the Rockets clearly plan to be right in the middle of it.