Giannis Trade Rumors: Rockets 'Not Interested' in Breaking Up Core for Bucks Star

The Houston Rockets reportedly aren't interested in "breaking up their core" to pursue a potential trade for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

Instead, the team "remains focused on developing its young players as a collective."

There have been reports that rival teams believe Houston could be a possible suitor for Giannis at some point, given their young core and future draft assets.

But it's hard to imagine a scenario where the Bucks, despite a disappointing 5-9 start, put Antetokounmpo on the trade block this season. There would be better ways to right the ship than trading the most popular star in franchise history—firing head coach Doc Rivers, shaking up the core group or stars around him, etc.

The Rockets should nonetheless be commended for taking a patient approach. The team is 10-5 this season, built around a group of up-and-coming stars like Alperen Şengün (17.5 PPG, 11.1 RPG), Jalen Green (19.7 PPG), Jabari Smith Jr. (11.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG) and Amen Thompson (11.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG).

(It should be noted that Houston got off to a strong start last year too, going 13-9 before finishing 41-41 and missing a Play-In Tournament berth.)

The team also has solid veterans in Fred Van Vleet and Dillon Brooks and younger role players like Tari Eason and Cam Whitmore. The depth is impressive, and the Rockets don't need to drain it by entering win-now mode or going star-hunting. Given the timeline of their younger players, restraint is the right approach.

At some point, of course, they may need to make a decision on which young players to build around and which could be used to acquire more star power. Şengün, in particular, is a safe bet to be around for the long haul. There's little need to take that leap now, however, especially if a true difference-maker like Giannis probably isn't available anyway.