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Rockets Saw Antetokounmpo, 5 first rounds + two new stars as bargaining chips?

2:14am, 4 June 2025【Basketball】

Shocking transaction rumors! The Rockets bet on Antetokounmpo, with multiple first-round picks + potential new stars on the shelves

In the NBA world, trading rumors have always been the fuse to ignite fans' enthusiasm, and a recent news exploded in the basketball circle like a bombshell - the Houston Rockets were exposed to betting on superstar Antetokounmpo, and were even willing to use multiple first-round draft picks and potential new stars as trading chips. This news quickly became the focus of hot discussion among fans and the media.

The Ringer, the US media, took the lead in launching two extremely shocking transaction plans. In the first plan, the Rockets plan to send talented Jaylen Green, interior star Shin Kyung, the first round pick in 2025 and the first round pick in 2027, plus a future first round pick from the Suns, trying to impress the Bucks to complete the transaction; the second plan is even more a big bet. The Rockets actually plan to send Jaylen Green, potential interior Jabbarry Smith Jr., and potential Whitmore together with multiple first round picks from 2025-2031, just to get Antetokounmpo, the top star in the league.

And the BR transaction simulation website is not to be outdone and put forward another trading concept. In their plan, the Rockets will send Shin Kyung, the energetic forward Ethan and defender Brooks, which will be matched with the first round picks in 2025, 2027 and 2029, and also include the first round swap rights in 2028 and the first round swap rights in 2029 Mavericks, trying to exchange this combination for Antetokounmpo's joining.

However, calmly speaking, these are just media reports and transaction simulation solutions at present. From the perspective of the Bucks, Antetokounmpo, as the team's core team building for many years, has led the team to win the championship. It is not easy to let them go easily; and for the Rockets, sending so many future assets and potential stars requires considerable risks. Whether this deal can move from paper to reality, the final answer will still take time to reveal. The entire NBA world is waiting for it, paying attention to any subsequent updates.

If this deal is really reached, the Rockets will usher in a comprehensive transformation and upgrading. On the offensive end, Antetokounmpo's terrifying inside impact will completely activate the Rockets' offensive system. Last season, his scoring efficiency in the penalty area was as high as 65%, and his dominance could make his opponent's defense lose sight of one thing. When he cooperates with outside players such as Van Vritte and Dillon, the impact of the pick-and-roll down or the pass after attracting double-teams can make the Rockets' three-pointer rain even more violent. Data shows that in the round of Antetokounmpo attracting double-teams, when teammates get an open three-pointer, their shooting percentage can be increased by 8-10 percentage points, and the offensive space will be completely opened. At the defensive level, Antetokounmpo's existence will reshape the Rockets' defensive system. His defensive coverage area reaches an astonishing 18.7 square meters, and he is easy to switch to external speed guards or to protect the basket and limit the inside monsters. In the past few seasons, when Antetokounmpo is on the court, the Bucks' defensive efficiency can be improved by 5.3. This defensive deterrence will transform the Rockets from a team that focuses on offense into a strong team with excellent offense and defense. Especially when facing Western Conference giants such as the Nuggets and the Lakers, he can effectively limit Jokic's low-post singles or James' breakthrough impact, building a solid wall for the team.

At the critical moment, Antetokounmpo is the Rockets' most reliable "big heart". In the past three seasons, he averaged 8.2 points per game and shot up to 58% in key matches in the last 5 minutes of the game and scored within 5 points. His presence can help the Rockets get rid of their concerns about young players' lack of experience in a stalemate. When the game enters overtime, Antetokounmpo's physical strength and finishing ability can often become the last straw that will crush his opponent.

From the perspective of the team's culture and commercial value, Antetokounmpo's joining will also bring huge improvements. His diligent and hard-working spirit and never giving up will inject a new winning culture into the Rockets and inspire young players such as Jaylen Green and Smith to grow rapidly. At the same time, as an NBA superstar, his arrival will make Houston's football market completely popular, jersey sales are expected to grow by 300%, and the team's commercial sponsorship and advertising revenue will also rise, laying a solid economic foundation for the team's long-term development.

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