Amen Thompson is the type of player who could make the Milwaukee Bucks put other teams looking to trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo on hold. Yet, if the Bucks do indeed speak with the Rockets on a move for the two-time MVP, insiders and analysts, such as The Athletic's Will Guillory (subscription required), keep highlighting Alperen Sengun as the piece Milwaukee would likely get in return.
That makes their offer far less desirable on Milwaukee's end.
Thompson would be a dream get for the Bucks
Losing Giannis would hurt after everything he's given the franchise, but Thompson is the type of prospect who would help ease the pain. Just 23 years old, Thompson has already joined elite two-way status, cementing himself as one of the most exciting up-and-comers in the entire NBA. He still has higher heights to reach, excitingly.
In three playoff games this season, Thompson is doing his best, averaging 19.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game, despite the Rockets sitting in an 0-3 hole. A piece like that would be the perfect player to help start a roster retool/rebuild under Taylor Jenkins, who could help Thompson reach even greater heights due to his background in player development.
Pairing Thompson up with Ryan Rollins would give the Milwaukee Bucks an exciting two-way duo that could wreak havoc every night.
The Rockets would like to keep their Swiss Army Knife
Of course, Thompson's immense potential is why the Rockets will likely keep him off the table in any trade discussion, even in ones for one of the best players in the world. In Houston's mind, the thought process would revolve around pairing Thompson with Antetokounmpo, hoping they would mesh well despite the lack of spacing, and sending out a deal centered around Sengun instead.
As a two-time All-Star, Sengun isn't chopped liver. He can certainly perform, which he's showing by averaging 24 points, 11.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 2.7 steals, and 1.3 blocks in these playoffs. He has the potential to be one of the best big men in the association, but he's certainly not as enticing as a wing like Thompson in a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
For the time being, it's all speculation. There's no telling whether Giannis will ask out or the Rockets will make an offer. Yet, if they do indeed flame out early, as it looks like they will, one would think a move to accelerate their timeline, especially with Kevin Durant aging, would be wise. Sacrificing some of their youth could be a necessary evil to bring in someone of Giannis Antetokounmpo's caliber.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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