Rockets will aggressively pursue Giannis! Holding sufficient assets to make an offer, Players Association condemns Bucks

On March 25 Beijing time, according to Sports Illustrated reporter Mannix, the Rockets are expected to explore the possibility of trading for Giannis during the offseason. Mannix stated on the OpenFloor podcast program that he anticipates Houston will make a full effort to pursue this Bucks star player.

"Regarding all the rumors about Giannis, I believe they will attempt to pursue him in the offseason," Mannix said.

The Rockets have always been willing to make major moves, having traded for Durant from the Suns in the previous offseason. The team also holds multiple future draft picks; if Giannis enters the trade market, the Rockets have enough assets to make a competitive offer.

Giannis does not have a trade veto right and holds a player option worth $62.8 million for the 2027-28 season. Starting from October 2 this year, he can sign a four-year extension contract with the Bucks.

Bucks co-owner Edens recently clearly stated that the team will not let this situation remain unresolved for long.

"Giannis is entering the final year of his contract," Edens told ESPN's Shelburne, "so there are only two outcomes: either an extension or a trade. We cannot let him play out the final year of his contract; the team cannot afford that consequence."

Giannis, a two-time regular season MVP and one-time Finals MVP, has played for the Bucks throughout his career. However, since winning the championship in 2021, the Bucks have only won one playoff series, and speculation across the league about his future direction continues to intensify.

Additionally, the league Players Association publicly condemned the Bucks regarding the dispute with Giannis, implying that Milwaukee intends to sideline this All-Star forward for the season, deliberately tanking and damaging the credibility of NBA games.

Sources revealed to ESPN reporter Shams last week that Giannis rejected the Bucks' request for him to sit out all remaining games this season. This two-time regular season MVP insisted on returning this season and believes his return would not pose additional injury risks.

The Players Association cited the NBA's anti-tanking regulations in its statement on Wednesday and clearly stated that Giannis is physically healthy and fit to play.

The union statement stated: "The league's player participation policy was established precisely to restrain teams and ensure that All-Stars like Giannis, who are healthy and fit to play, can participate in games. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of the anti-tanking policy entirely depends on enforcement. If team management actions are not restrained, fans, broadcast partners, and game credibility will continue to suffer. We look forward to collaborating with the NBA to introduce practical and effective new measures to directly prevent and combat tanking behavior."