US media tips: Rockets, Pelicans, Bucks trade with three parties! Antetokounmpo + Zion switches teams, each transaction is needed

All games of the Rockets this season have ended. Next, in addition to observing the performance of other teams in the playoffs, the Rockets are more important to introduce more powerful players in the offseason and strengthen the lineup. Although Rockets general manager Raphael Stone repeatedly stressed that the Rockets are likely to retain their existing roster, anyone with discerning eyes knows that the Rockets will definitely want to go further next season.

If the superstars cannot be introduced, the Rockets rely solely on the current group of players. Although they can maintain the top four in the Western Conference in the regular season, in the playoffs, the Rockets may encounter a round of games. Therefore, introducing star players has become the top priority for the Rockets this summer.

Now, the Rockets are ready and only need superstars. They have many expired contracts, a large number of first-round draft picks and young players, not to mention that the Rockets also hold multiple first-round draft picks and swap rights for the Suns in the future, which makes it possible to chase Durant or Booker. However, because Durant is older and is already 36 years old, it is not suitable for the Rockets' existing lineup.

, and NBA expert Jed Keggy posted a message suggesting that the Rockets should complete a three-party deal with the Bucks and the Pelicans. In his opinion, the Rockets have many bargaining chips that can meet the needs of the Bucks, and can also retain some key players to match Antetokounmpo. However, the Bucks' first-round draft picks are currently in the hands of the Pelicans, so the Pelicans have the key lifeline of the Bucks. If the Bucks want to start rebuilding, they will inevitably regain these first-round draft picks. The Pelicans' performance this season is not a success. Although affected by a large number of injuries, the pair Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum did not perform well this season. Both of them suffered injuries, and Williamson has always been the target of the Pelicans considering trades.

Now, the Bucks want to regain their draft picks, while the Rockets are eager to get Antetokounmpo. In this way, the Rockets, the Bucks and the Pelicans may be able to make three-party trades, so that each can get what they need and try some new possibilities.

Specifically, the Bucks can get young superstars like Zion to make the lineup younger, while reclaiming their own draft picks from the Pelicans, plus the additional high-quality assets obtained from the Rockets; the Rockets will strive to join Antetokounmpo, and although it may cost a huge price, they can finally get a top superstar and a super scorer; and the Pelicans can get some draft picks and young and potential players from the Rockets to complete the reconstruction. A tripartite transaction such as

can be said to be very ideal, and each one takes the needs. The Bucks got a young star like Zion and took back the draft pick, and could start reconstruction around Zion; the Rockets got Antetokounmpo, and they had the strength to fight for the championship; the Pelicans got a young player and draft pick from the Rockets, and their future was full of hope. Therefore, this simulated transaction is of great reference value.

The Rockets now have enough chips to chase any superstar, and Antetokounmpo is obviously 6 years younger than Durant, and he is more suitable for the Rockets' current young lineup. I believe Antetokounmpo is also willing to join this team ranked second in the Western Conference in the regular season. With his joining, the Rockets will have more hope for the championship next season.