Each gets what you need! US media shows a 3-party 8-player plan: Rockets sell 4 people to change letters + high-quality side wings

In the NBA world, a war without gunpowder is going on fiercely, and the focus of this war is Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks' star. According to Shams, Antetokounmpo's first career consideration for leaving Milwaukee, which has put several NBA teams in their prime and ready to join the battle for superstars.

Among Antetokounmpo's many suitors, the Rockets are undoubtedly the potential biggest next player. You should know that the Rockets have trained many talented young players in recent years, including Jaylen Green, Amen Thompson, Shin Kyung, Jabbarry Smith Jr., etc. In addition, the Rockets also hold a large number of draft picks, which puts them in the lead position among the Antetokounmpo contenders. It is worth mentioning that Antetokounmpo previously claimed that he wanted to play in a place without personal taxes, and the Rockets just met his needs.

Recently, Sports Illustrated proposed a three-party trading plan based on the current situation, involving the Bucks, Rockets and Pelicans, with a total of 8 players and 6 draft picks. The details are as follows:

Pelicans get: Van Vleet, Jabbarry Smith Jr., Reed Shepard, 2027 first round pick (Phoenix Suns), 2027 second round pick (Memphis Grizzlies), 2028 second round pick (Houston Rockets)

Bucks get: Zion, Jaylen Green, Olynick, 2026 first round swap and 2027 first round pick (New Orleans Pelicans return), 2028 first round pick (Houston Rockets, top five pick protection)

Rockets get: Antetokounmpo, Kyle Kuzma

This three-party trading plan can be said to be the one that each gets the needs. Without using Shin Kyung and Amen Thompson, the Rockets only used Van Vleet + Smith Jr. + Green + Shepard, as well as a few draft picks, and they were in exchange for Antetokounmpo in the top three levels of the league. It was a huge profit. However, at the cost, the Rockets also need to take Kuzma's premium contract. His annual salary will be US$21.48 million and US$19.43 million respectively in the next two seasons.

Pelicans will get VanVleet, Smith Jr., Shepard and the next three draft picks in this trade. Although it was a bit reluctant to leave Zion, the No. 1 pick, it was worth it considering his glass attributes and attendance. The chips obtained include both combat power and draft picks, laying a solid foundation for the team's reconstruction. The Bucks can rebuild the team around Zion and Jaylen Green. Considering that the competition in the East is far less intense than that in the West, they will still be a playoff-level team. Most importantly, the Bucks got three first-round picks and got rid of Kuzma's premium contract, which was a little reward when they lost Antetokounmpo.

However, whether this transaction can be finally reached still requires further communication and negotiation from all parties. After all, there are so many players and draft picks involved, and all parties need to weigh carefully. However, judging from the current situation, the Rockets are still the biggest favorite in Antetokounmpo's battle, and they have enough chips and attractiveness to impress Antetokounmpo.

For Antetokounmpo himself, this will be an important turning point in his career. Whether he ultimately chooses to stay with the Bucks or join the Rockets or other teams, his decision will have a profound impact on the league’s landscape. So, what do you think about Antetokounmpo’s future?