Milwaukee Bucks’ sluggish start to the 2024-25 season has led to some early trade chatter, and Giannis Antetokounmpo finds himself in the spotlight.
Through their start, Giannis has been everything Milwaukee hoped for statistically, averaging 31 points, 12.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists on 63.3% shooting from the field. But all of that hasn’t masked the Bucks’ early issues, and his pairing with co-star Damian Lillard hasn’t exactly been fireworks yet.
For a team carrying such high expectations, Milwaukee’s rough start is a troubling sign. Giannis previously even hinted at this scenario, saying he might be traded if they don’t contend. With the way things are going, that statement feels a bit more real as trade rumors start to pick up.
With this in mind, Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report is looking at the Houston Rockets as a possible buyer for the Bucks 29-year-old superstar, with young players like Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard forming the core of a potential deal. But to make it all happen, Pincus notes, they might need the Detroit Pistons as a third team in the trade.
“Bucks get: Reed Sheppard (from Rockets), Jabari Smith Jr. (from Rockets), Amen Thompson (from Rockets), Wendell Moore Jr. (from Pistons), 2027 first-rounder (higher of the Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns or Rockets, from Rockets), 2028 first-round swap (from Rockets), 2029 first-rounder (highest of the Dallas Mavericks, Suns or Rockets, from Rockets), 2031 first-rounder (from Rockets), $29.4 million trade exception (Giannis Antetokounmpo), $2.1 million trade exception (AJ Green)
Rockets get: Giannis Antetokounmpo (from Bucks), A.J. Green (from Bucks), Chris Livingston (from Bucks), Delon Wright (from Bucks)
Pistons get: Jeff Green (from Rockets), Jock Landale (from Rockets), MarJon Beauchamp (from Bucks), $7.24 million (from Rockets), 2026 protected second-rounder (from Rockets), 2026 second-rounder (second highest of the Philadelphia 76ers, Mavericks or Oklahoma City Thunder, from Rockets), 2026 second-rounder (lower of the LA Clippers and whichever is the highest from the Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers and Miami Heat, from Rockets)
Note: The 2026 second-rounder from Houston will go to the Oklahoma City Thunder (instead of the Pistons) if the Rockets’ first-round pick is in the 1-4 range.
The deal would be consummated on Dec. 15, after Wright’s trade restriction lifts. The Pistons would first waive Paul Reed., who would leave a dead cap hit of about $2.5 million on Detroit’s books.”
