Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone addressed speculation linking Giannis Antetokounmpo to Houston earlier this offseason.
Stone made it clear there was never any substance to those rumors.
“No,” Stone said when asked about the possibility of Antetokounmpo trade talks. “I deal well with Jon Horst (Bucks GM), I really like him. Jon was very clear that they weren’t doing anything. So, that was that.”
The comments end weeks of speculation that the Rockets might be positioning themselves for a blockbuster pursuit of the two-time MVP.
Talk surrounding Antetokounmpo’s future has intensified this summer after the Bucks reshaped their roster. Milwaukee moved on from Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, and Pat Connaughton while adding Myles Turner, Cole Anthony, and Gary Harris.
Despite the roster turnover, Horst and the Bucks’ front office have maintained that Antetokounmpo remains untouchable in trade talks.
The Greek forward is coming off another dominant season, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists across 73 games. He elevated his production in the playoffs with 33.0 points per game, though Milwaukee fell in the first round for the second time in three years.
NBA insider Shams Charania previously reported that Antetokounmpo has been “evaluating his future this entire offseason,” with multiple teams keeping close watch in case he requests a trade.
Stone’s remarks confirm that Houston has not engaged in any discussions with Milwaukee, despite outside speculation.
Antetokounmpo’s situation remains one of the league’s biggest storylines as training camps approach in September. Teams across the NBA are monitoring his stance, but for now, the Bucks are signaling their commitment to keeping their franchise cornerstone.
