Every team wants to have the best player out there. There can be no compromises if you want to be a name for the championship. And a 2x MVP, NBA champion like Giannis Antetokounmpo is always one of those big fishes in the market. Everyone wants him. The Warriors had their eyes on him, especially after the “Will Giannis leave the Bucks?” conversation earlier in the season. But, now it looks like the Houston Rockets might be in the bidding war to find their only piece to complete the jigsaw puzzle.

However, Lou Williams has a piece of advice for Rockets HC, Ime Udoka. He believes that the team doesn’t need to go into the whole trading scene at this point. Speaking on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back, the ex-NBA player explained his opinions. Lou said: “I don’t think you overreact. You feel like you have to go out and get somebody else. The point is to bring these young guys on and turn them into the All-Stars that you want them to be. Opposed to just bringing someone in.”

Well, the ex-Clippers star isn’t completely wrong. Ime Udoka can nurture his treasure of young players into All-Stars. Besides, a greater push will most likely bring back the championship-winning Houston Rockets. They’re holding the No. 2 spot in the West, and no, they may not need a Giannis Antetokounmpo at the moment.

Williams added, “In the last three years, this is probably the best basketball they’ve played. You know, they can throw last night away or feel however they feel. But the totality of the year, they’re playing really good basketball. They’re still sitting in second place in the Western Conference.” The last time, the Rockets won the championship was in 1994 and then in 1995, and that’s it. So, the 2024/25 season looks like a game-changer for the team.

However, “If you’re Ime Udoka or your management, you don’t just overreact to that and try to bring somebody in. You’re still trying to get Jalen Green and Sengun on the same page. Let alone bringing in somebody else.” Jalen Green is on a three-year, $106 million contract with the Rockets. On the other hand, Alperen Sengun is signed for five years and $185 million. Moreover, the two young $291 million talents are doing well for the team, helping with the wins and scores.

But, by any chance, if Ime Udoka is looking for trade options, then he shouldn’t settle for anyone lesser than Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak is probably the only force the Houston Rockets need on the team. However, acquiring the 30YO, Bucks center wouldn’t be as easy as it seems or sounds.

What is Giannis Antetokounmpo’s contract with the Milwaukee Bucks?

Rumors of Giannis Antetokounmpo leaving the Bucks resurface often, but he always shuts them down. Just six days before the 2020-21 NBA training camp, he signed a record-breaking 5-year, $228.2 million Supermax extension. The deal, surpassing Russell Westbrook’s $207 million contract from 2017, secured Giannis with the Bucks through 2024-25, with a player option for 2025-26.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s contract with the Milwaukee Bucks runs through the 2027-28 season. On October 24, 2023, he signed a three-year, $186 million extension with the team. The deal includes a player option for 2027-28, giving him the choice to become a free agent in 2027. This extension aligns his future with guard Damian Lillard’s contract, showing a strong commitment to the Bucks. Until the 2027-28 season, Antetokounmpo cannot opt out of the deal.

Simply put, even if the Houston Rockets are aiming for the stars (read: Giannis Antetokounmpo) it may not be possible unless 2027. But, the Rockets are in a strong position, sitting second in the West with a talented young core. While Giannis could be a game-changer, the focus should remain on developing stars like Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun. Ime Udoka’s strategy will shape the team’s championship aspirations without rushing into trades. Patience and smart moves could bring the Rockets their long-awaited title.