SI's Chris Mannix sees Rockets as most invested Giannis Antetokounmpo trade suitor
SI's Chris Mannix sees Rockets as most invested Giannis Antetokounmpo trade suitor 'I think Houston would be the most interested and invested in going to get him,' Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix says of potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade suitors.
On a newly released episode of Open Floor: Sports Illustrated's NBA podcast, veteran league insider Chris Mannix said he believes the Houston Rockets will be the most interested trade suitor for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
'I think Houston would be the most interested and invested in going to get him,' said Mannix, who has ties with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka dating back to his Boston head coaching stint (where Mannix is based).
Regarding what a potential Bucks-Rockets deal might look like, Mannix said on SI's show:
Everything not named Amen Thompson, and just do it. Jalen Green's contract… I think they'd probably like to hold on to Alperen Sengun, but they could put together a deal that would probably appeal to Milwaukee.
Other rumored suitors have included teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, Brooklyn Nets, and Toronto Raptors. At 52-30, Houston had by far the best record among that group in the recently completed 2024-25 season — which could present the most appeal to Antetokounmpo (if the 30-year-old, as believed, wants to contend for an NBA title) and perhaps give the Rockets the most incentive to get a deal done.
Operating as a 6-foot-11 power forward, Antetokounmpo averaged 30.4 points (60.1% FG), 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game in the 2024-25 season. A two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP), the 'Greek Freak' is a nine-time NBA All-Star and a perennial MVP candidate.
'We think Houston probably has the most they can offer,' added co-host Rachel Nichols, who also has extensive experience covering the NBA.
Of course, it isn't yet confirmed that the 2024-25 MVP finalist wants to leave. A recent report indicated that a meeting between Antetokounmpo and the Bucks would be held in late May, at which point the player's desires might become known. But it's now June, and there has been no confirmation of whether such a meeting has yet taken place. Stay tuned!
More: As Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors swirl, Bucks schedule key meeting for this week
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
"What is this? Some Brazilian fake news?" - Goran Dragic revealed his initial reaction to the Luka Doncic trade
"What is this? Some Brazilian fake news?" - Goran Dragic revealed his initial reaction to the Luka Doncic trade originally appeared on Basketball Network. Goran Dragic saw it coming before the rest of the world did. Not the shocking trade, but the superstar status. Advertisement Long before Luka Doncic became a household name in the NBA, Dragic already had a front-row seat to the making of a generational talent. As a teenager, Goran shared a locker room with Luka's father, Sasa Doncic — also a Slovenian pro who brought his son to the gym before and after practices. It was there when "The Dragon" saw the first sparks of "Luka Magic." So when "El Matador" started lighting it up for the Dallas Mavericks, it didn't really catch the one-time All-Star off guard. What did catch him off guard came much later — on February 1st this year, when news broke that the Mavericks had pulled the trigger on the most shocking trade in the league's history, sending their franchise cornerstone to the Los Angeles Lakers. Even for someone who's seen it all during his 15-year career in the Association, this one felt surreal. When the bomb dropped, Dragic was thousands of miles away, enjoying some downtime in Brazil. Advertisement "Yeah I was shocked like everybody else. Actually, I was in Brazil at that time, and I was like, 'What is this? Some Brazilian fake news?' Then I started getting text messages and I realized that it's true," the 2014 Most Improved Player said in an exclusive interview with Basketball Network. "I was shocked, but, you know, that's part of the business. You have to move on. He has to move on." The future is bright in the City of Angels But as surprising as the trade was, Dragic isn't worried about how his fellow countryman will handle it. In fact, he believes the move could unlock an even scarier version of the five-time All-Star. Advertisement Now surrounded by championship expectations and bright lights, "Luka Magic" is also learning from a guy who's made a career out of defying Father Time — LeBron James. "The King" is in the twilight of his career, but what he brings to the table off the court might be even more valuable than what he still does on it. For Luka, that mentorship could be the bridge between stardom and sustained greatness. It's one thing to put up monster numbers. It's another thing to do it while wearing the most scrutinized jersey in basketball. But "The Dragon" believes "The Don" has the mentality and game to carry that torch and maybe even add a few new chapters to the Lakers' rich legacy. "I think he is in a good team. The Lakers are a historical franchise; they are gonna build the team around him and have a lot of success. The biggest market in the league. I'm not afraid for him, because we all know what kind of baller he is. That's gonna fuel him even more, for sure," the Slovenian basketball legend added. Related: Luc Longley on why he and Michael Jordan couldn't get along: "Mike was doing what he did to rookies, what he was doing to me" The Luka-watch is on While the trade turned heads and shook up the Western Conference, it didn't exactly translate into instant playoff success. The Lakers got bounced in the first round, losing in five games to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The chemistry was still a work in progress, the pieces didn't quite fit, and questions remain about what comes next. Advertisement Still, if there's one thing that's never been in doubt, it's Luka's ability to adapt and dominate. And with the Lakers expected to retool and reload this summer, the 26-year-old Slovenian now has the keys to the NBA's biggest stage with a legend by his side to make the transition even more smoother. Related: "Shaq, I'm from the Balkans, you cannot haze me so hard, I've seen everything" - Goran Dragic recalls how he survived Shaquille O'Neal's rookie treatment This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
"Superstars at 25 don't get traded"- Draymond Green recalls getting confused between Doncic trade and Warriors landing Kevin Durant
"Superstars at 25 don't get traded"- Draymond Green recalls getting confused between Doncic trade and Warriors landing Kevin Durant originally appeared on Basketball Network. The Luka Doncic trade will certainly be a topic of discussion for years to come. A decision that shocked the entire NBA ecosystem, with the Dallas Mavericks shipping the Slovenian talent to the Los Angeles Lakers after a great seven-year association. Advertisement Such was the magnitude of the trade that transpired on February 2nd, 2025, and everyone had a story to tell. However, Draymond Green's reaction was certainly a little amusing as the four-time champion narrated his episode on "Jimmy Kimmel Live." Recounting the night of the trade announcement, Draymond revealed he was at a Warriors charity poker tournament. Ten minutes before the news broke out, the 2016 DPOY recalled talking with owner Joe Lacob, who told him about almost having Kevin Durant in the Bay Area. "So we're at this tournament and I go sit down and about 15 minutes later, Steph yells, 'Draymond did you see the trade.' I go, 'It happened?' Steph goes, 'Wait, who?' and I said, 'Oh never mind, Nobody,"' revealed Draymond, who assumed Lacob had pulled off the Durant trade with the Phoenix Suns. Nonetheless, learning about Luka's trade, the defensive savant said the following. Advertisement "I couldn't believe it. Superstars at 25 don't get traded. Luka is a megastar. Just coming off the NBA Finals. You just don't see that in the NBA. I immediately wondered when I had to be next, it's coming for me soon," Dray told host Jimmy. The Warriors star was coming off a second round exit against the Timberwolves but had managed to make the 2025 NBA All-Defensive First Team. Pursuing "The Slim Reaper" Looking back to the 2024-25 trade deadline, the Warriors were keen on reuniting with Durant. During his three-year stint in the Bay Area, the 6'11" forward helped the franchise secure two championship banners, earning Finals MVP honors both times. Hence, GSW's front office was trying to work out the best deal with the Suns. But, before things could be finalized, Durant had categorically disagreed with a homecoming in the Bay. The fifteen-time All-Star was done with his fair share of scrutiny. As the deadline appeared closer, GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. and management found themselves in a lurch. Ultimately, they decided to go ahead with Jimmy Butler's gamble, which turned out to be a beneficial move for the most part. Advertisement Related: Luc Longley on why he and Michael Jordan couldn't get along: "Mike was doing what he did to rookies, what he was doing to me" Blockbuster trade on the cards for the Warriors? With free agency not far away, there has been a lot of chatter around the Dubs making a strong push for a star player. Since winning their 2022 championship, Coach Steve Kerr and his crew have not had the desired success for various reasons. Blessed to have a generational talent in Curry, the management cannot afford to let go of his championship window. Entering his 17th season, the two-time MVP has shown no signs of slowing down. Hence, given his invaluable contributions to the franchise and the city of San Francisco, the front office owes him a shot at his fifth title. Not to forget his legacy, known as the face that changed the game. Advertisement Related: "What is this? Some Brazilian fake news?" - Goran Dragic revealed his initial reaction to the Luka Doncic trade This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Fox Sports
34 minutes ago
- Fox Sports
Lindor comes through as pinch hitter in 9th on broken toe, hits 2-run double as Mets beat Rockies
Associated Press DENVER (AP) — Francisco Lindor had a soothing remedy for his broken right pinky toe — a go-ahead hit. Questionable before Friday's game, the Mets shortstop entered as a pinch hitter in the ninth inning and delivered a two-run double to send New York to a 4-2 win over the Colorado Rockies. Lindor sent a cutter from reliever Zach Agnos (0-2) into right field to score Juan Soto and a sliding Pete Alonso. It was Lindor's first go-ahead, pinch-hit RBI of his career, according to the postgame notes. 'Once it comes to those moments, I'm just there to make something happen,' Lindor explained. 'Just get a good pitch, and whatever happens, happens. Don't let the moment get too big.' He tuned out any pain from his toe once he stepped into the batter's box. 'Something is not 100% for sure. But I'm not the only one,' Lindor said. 'I would say most of the guys are not 100%. So there's no excuses." Lindor said manager Carlos Mendoza asked him around the fourth or fifth inning if he might be available to hit. His response was simple. 'I said, 'Yeah,'' Lindor recounted. Lindor's availability — pain and all — comes as no surprise to Alonso. 'That's really special, having a teammate willing to put his body on the line every single day like that,' said Alonso, who had a big game with his bat (a two-run double), his arm (he threw out a runner at home in the fifth) and his sliding ability (he avoided a tag at home on Lindor's double). 'That's a true pro, in my opinion, and he embodies that.' Lindor's pinky toe was broken by a pitch from Dodgers right-hander Tony Gonsolin in the first inning on Wednesday. He sat out Thursday and recovered enough to pinch-hit Friday. He may even be in the lineup on Saturday. 'I would like to start,' Lindor said. 'It's going to be up to the trainers and (Mendoza) and we are going to make a decision together. ... Hopefully tomorrow I'll wake up in a good spot.' Lindor is hitting .282 with 14 homers and 38 RBIs this season. He finished runner-up to Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani in the NL MVP race last season. Ronny Mauricio filled in for Lindor at shortstop against the Rockies on Friday. He had a double in the eighth, his first hit since being called up Tuesday. Manaea makes rehab start In Wilmington, Delaware, Mets lefty Sean Manaea made a rehab start for High-A Brooklyn against the Blue Rocks. He threw 36 pitches — 26 strikes — over 1 2/3 innings, allowing four hits and three earned runs. Manaea, who has been sidelined all season by an oblique injury, struck out two and didn't walk a batter. The 33-year-old Manaea re-signed as a free agent with the Mets for $75 million over three years. He went 12-6 with a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts last season. ___ AP MLB: recommended
