The NBA superstar that the Rockets tried to team up with Kevin Durant

In the upcoming 2025/26 NBA season, the Houston Rockets will be closely watched in the Western Conference. The Texas franchise secured the signing of Kevin Durant through a trade. The superstar left the Phoenix Suns to lead one of the contenders for the next championship ring. However, things could have escalated further if the Milwaukee Bucks had agreed to negotiate the departure of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Even before the end of the last playoffs, NBA Rumors were swirling about a possible departure of the Greek player due to another disappointment by Milwaukee in the championship race (once again eliminated in the first round by the Indiana Pacers). Houston attempted to bring together Giannis and Kevin Durant, but as the Rockets GM revealed, the Bucks instantly rejected the offer.

Rafael Stone, general manager of the Houston Rockets, shared during a recent interview on ESPN Radio Houston. Stone, when asked about the possibility of his team exploring the option of adding the Greek superstar of the NBA, was categorical: the discussions never progressed past a friendly exchange between executives.

"I get along well with Jon Horst, I really like him," explained Stone, referring to the Bucks' general manager. "Jon was very clear that they wouldn't do anything. So, that was that."

An Uncertain Future, Yet under Giannis' Control

However, the situation paves the way for a scenario familiar in modern NBA. Despite Milwaukee retaining control and having no intention to part ways with its star, experts agree that the only way to reignite a genuine debate about a potential trade would be if Antetokounmpo formally requested to leave the team.

So far, the Greek player has maintained a discourse focused on competing and his commitment to the franchise, but all eyes continue to point towards his future, especially considering the wear and tear of recent years since the 2021 title.

Houston's interest comes as no surprise. Following the acquisition of Kevin Durant this summer, the Rockets have become one of the most attractive projects in the league, banking on an explosive mix of youth (Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson) and elite experience. In that context, inquiring about Giannis—even if exploratory—was part of the logic for a team looking to establish itself in the Western elite in the short term.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La superestrella NBA que los Rockets intentaron juntar con Kevin Durant