Rockets Reportedly Open to Trading Alperen Sengun in Deal for Giannis amid NBA Rumors

The Houston Rockets are "open" to including Alperen Şengün in a trade package for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to NBC Sports' Kurt Helin.

The Bucks "may be higher" on a deal centered around Jalen Green instead, per Helin. Meanwhile, Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. will likely be part of any potential trade.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported Monday that Antetokounmpo is "open-minded" about considering a trade from Milwaukee "for the first time in his career."

The prospect of adding Antetokounmpo in a blockbuster deal is viewed as "intriguing" within the Rockets organization, per Kelly Iko and Sam Amick of The Athletic.

While Şengün's 50.5 effective field-goal percentage was the lowest since his rookie season, he still thrived as the offensive hub of a Houston squad that exceeded expectations and earned the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with a 52-30 record.

In 76 starts, he averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Şengün was named an All-Star for the first time in his career.

The Rockets' 2024-25 season came to an end in the first round of the playoffs, losing to the Golden State Warriors in seven games. Şengün recorded a team-high 20.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game during the series, but he shot just 9-of-23 from the field in a Game 7 defeat.

While the 22-year-old has developed into a key piece for Houston, the opportunity to add a two-time MVP could be too enticing to pass up on.

Antetokounmpo continued to dominate on both ends of the floor throughout his 2024-25 campaign, averaging 30.4 points and 11.9 rebounds per game while shooting over 60 percent from the field for a second consecutive season.

As the Rockets look to establish themselves as a true championship threat, they're reportedly willing to part ways with Şengün in order to acquire Antetokounmpo.