Rockets Young Star Named 'Untouchable' Amid Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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The Houston Rockets vastly overperformed this past year, finishing the regular season as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. Despite this, Houston did fall short in the postseason, losing to the Golden State Warriors in the first round.
More NBA news: Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors Heat Up With Latest Report
But the Rockets' young core showed a lot of promise and took a massive step forward. Due to this, Houston is now seen as a threat in the West, and it could have them be very active this offseason.
The Rockets have been heavily linked to Milwaukee Bucks star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo early in the summer. Due to Houston having a ton of draft picks and young players to send out for Antetokounmpo, the Rockets do make a lot of sense as a landing spot.
Houston could offer any of Alperen Sengün, Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., Reed Sheppard, or even Amen Thompson in any potential deal. But one of the young stars is being seen as untouchable for the Rockets entering the offseason.
According to Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report, Thompson should be seen as "untouchable" despite all the trade rumors swirling.
"Thompson is more valuable than all of them. An A-plus athlete who made the All-Defensive first team, the spring-loaded wing seized a starting job midway through the year and established himself as one of the top young players in the league. Playmaking instincts, elite rebounding for his position and unsurpassed defensive disruption make Thompson a foundational asset. If the Rockets swing a deal for a superstar, they'll work hardest to keep Thompson out of it."
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 14: Amen Thompson #1, Tari Eason #17, Alperen Sengun #28 and Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets walk on the court after a timeout in the first half of...
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 14: Amen Thompson #1, Tari Eason #17, Alperen Sengun #28 and Jalen Green #4 of the Houston Rockets walk on the court after a timeout in the first half of a semifinal game of the Emirates NBA Cup against the Oklahoma City Thunder at T-Mobile Arena on December 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. More
Photo byThompson took another step forward this year and was massive in helping the Rockets become one of the better teams in the NBA. His dual-threat ability is special and gives the Rockets a legitimate weapon to use on the court.
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For the season, Thompson averaged 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. The forward even improved on his 3-point shooting, going from 13.8 percent in his rookie year to 27.5 percent this past year.
If Houston were to make a move for a player like Antetokounmpo or even Kevin Durant, they would be wise to avoid trading Thompson. The Rockets have built themselves up nicely, but it may be time to push the chips in for a star.
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