Jason Burgos
If the Houston Rockets are shockingly ousted by the Los Angeles Lakers in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs, a new report suggests young star Alperen Sengun could be added to trade packages to make a blockbuster deal this summer.
Entering the 2025-26 season, the Rockets were viewed as a real threat to defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, and with good reason. The year before, they took a huge leap forward under head coach Ime Udoka as their young core showed real promise and they had an elite defense. Adding future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant to the mix seemed like a championship recipe.
However, as the year unfolded, the Rockets did not play up to expectations, and questions of poor chemistry have emerged over the last couple of months. To open the playoffs, it looked like they had a layup of a matchup against a Lakers team without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Yet, they enter Game 3 of the series down 2-0.
If they exit in the first round again this year, there will surely be changes to the roster. Moving on from Durant ahead of turning 38 in September would make sense. It seems like the experiment failed. However, according to The Athletic’s William Guillory, there is a real chance Alperen Sengun could be used in a blockbuster trade for a top star to pair with Durant next season.
Could the Houston Rockets target Giannis Antetokounmpo and Donovan Mitchell this summer?
The reason why is his up-and-down play in the second half of the season, and being non-existent over the first two games of their series against the Lakers. After moving on from rising star Jalen Green to get Durant last year, Guillory suggests they could do the same again this summer with the 23 if they feel he can’t handle the big stage. The two-time All-Star’s addition to any trade package would make Houston a favorite for any superstar that ends up on the trade block.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo will be a name many connect to Houston as a potential superstar who could be acquired in a Sengun trade,” Guillory wrote. “Kawhi Leonard or Donovan Mitchell could also be possibilities. If Houston makes Sengun available, along with some of the future draft picks they hold, it would put them squarely among the favorites to acquire any of the disgruntled superstars who may become available.”
Antetokounmpo being traded will be a top storyline this summer after the Milwaukee Bucks listened to offers before the deadline. Reports emerged last week that if Mitchell doesn’t sign an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers after the season, he could also be put on the trade block. Leonard should also be available as the Los Angeles Clippers look to undergo a rapid rebuild over the next two years.
