The NBA rumor mill is spinning at full throttle as two blockbuster trade scenarios involving the Milwaukee Bucks, Houston Rockets, and Philadelphia 76ers have taken center stage ahead of the 2025-26 season. With Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee under the microscope, and the Bucks’ roster in flux after a challenging offseason, speculation is swirling about the next seismic shift in the league’s balance of power. Could the Bucks pull off a franchise-altering deal, or will they double down on their commitment to winning with Giannis at the helm?
Let’s start with the trade proposal that has set tongues wagging from Wisconsin to Texas. According to Dan Angell of FanNation, the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly considering a dramatic pivot: trading away their two-time MVP and eight-time All-Star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, to the Houston Rockets. In return, Milwaukee would net a treasure trove of young talent and draft capital—All-Star center Alperen Sengun (just 22 years old), promising guards Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson, a 2027 first-round pick from the Suns, a 2028 first-round pick from Houston, and a 2029 first-round swap right with the Rockets.
Why would the Bucks even contemplate such a move? The answer lies in the team’s current crossroads. Despite recently signing Myles Turner to shore up their frontcourt in the wake of Damian Lillard’s departure, the Bucks’ offseason has been, by most accounts, unsatisfying. The addition of Turner and backcourt reinforcement Cole Anthony hasn’t fully addressed the team’s regression concerns. With Giannis approaching 30 and key contract decisions looming for Kevin Porter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr., the Bucks are staring down a tough choice: reload for another title run or embrace a youth movement.
The proposed deal would instantly lower Milwaukee’s average age and inject high-upside talent into the rotation. Sengun, known for his crafty post play and passing, could form a dynamic frontcourt pairing with Turner. Sheppard and Thompson would add athleticism and versatility to the backcourt, offering options that could make expensive veterans expendable. Perhaps most importantly, the haul of draft picks would give the Bucks the flexibility to rebuild swiftly and stay competitive for years to come. As one analyst put it, “By 2028, this plan could leave Milwaukee with only one rotation player above the age of 27, setting up a potential long-term contender.”
On the flip side, the Houston Rockets are in full win-now mode after their own splashy offseason. Having added Kevin Durant to a veteran core that includes Fred VanVleet, the Rockets view the acquisition of Giannis as the missing piece for a championship push. Antetokounmpo’s relentless inside game and defensive prowess would perfectly complement Durant’s perimeter scoring, creating one of the league’s most formidable duos. With most of their starters already in their 30s, Houston’s window for contention is now—and they’re willing to cash in some of their four first-round picks between 2027 and 2028 to make it happen.
But hold on—Milwaukee isn’t the only team facing tough decisions. The Philadelphia 76ers are also at a crossroads, and a separate trade proposal has them sending All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey to the Bucks in exchange for a package including Kyle Kuzma, Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., a 2027 first-round pick (New Orleans swap), a 2026 second-round pick (via Utah), and a 2032 second-round pick. This deal, which could only be executed after the first week of October due to contract restrictions, would offer the Bucks a dynamic replacement for Lillard and a potential running mate for Giannis.
Tyrese Maxey, just 24, has blossomed into a modern point guard who thrives in high-pressure situations. In the 2024-25 season, Maxey averaged an impressive 26.3 points and 6.1 assists per game, building on his 2023-24 All-Star campaign. His smooth offensive game and ability to carry the scoring load make him an ideal fit alongside Giannis and Turner, giving Milwaukee a core that could be dangerous in the Eastern Conference.
For Philadelphia, the trade would be controversial but not without logic. With Joel Embiid’s future uncertain and Paul George’s availability limited, the Sixers could decide to hit the reset button. The incoming trio of Kuzma, Porter Jr., and Trent Jr. would round out the rotation, with Kuzma’s versatility offering value either as a starter or off the bench. Porter Jr. and Trent Jr. would provide depth, and the draft picks could help kickstart a rebuild around young talents like Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe. As the article notes, “Should the 76ers embrace a rebuild, the acquisition of a first-round pick swap and two second-round picks from this deal will be quite beneficial.”
Amidst all this speculation, the big question remains: Where does Giannis stand? Despite the swirling trade rumors, Bucks ownership and the superstar himself have publicly committed to staying in Milwaukee—at least for now. However, sources indicate that Antetokounmpo is expected to delay any long-term decisions until after he returns from EuroBasket in late August or early September. The message to management is clear: Milwaukee must move quickly to surround its franchise player with the support needed for another championship push.
It’s hard to overstate the stakes for the Bucks. A misstep could send the franchise into a lengthy rebuild, while the right move could keep them in the title hunt for years. The possibility of landing Maxey, or flipping Giannis for a haul of young talent and picks, underscores just how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA. As one observer put it, “The possibility of such a trade underscores how quickly the league’s landscape can change when superstars are involved.”
Meanwhile, Houston is poised to strike if Milwaukee decides to rebuild, and Philadelphia is weighing whether it’s time for a fresh start. With the 2025-26 season on the horizon, the NBA’s next major shakeup could be just around the corner. Will the Bucks pull the trigger on a blockbuster, or will they double down on their star? Stay tuned, because this story is far from over.
