Antetokounmpo joins forces with Harden? The Rockets, Clippers and Bucks are planning a three-party deal?

The Clippers failed to pass the first round of the playoffs, but Harden's performance remained at a high level throughout the season. With Leonard absent for a long time, he led the Clippers to stay in the playoff team. Although he performed poorly in the tiebreak battle with the Nuggets, it did not affect the progress of his contract renewal. James Harden is not expected to execute player options this summer and then signs a new two-year, $75 million contract with the Clippers management, according to Zach Buckley, a reporter from The Open-air Stand. In this way, with the basic guarantee of Harden and Leonard, the Clippers will still be strong contenders for the NBA championship next season, but general manager Trent Rayden needs to continue to upgrade the lineup.

Recently, the US media "Fadeaway World" suggested that the three teams, the Clippers, Rockets and the Bucks, will negotiate on a tripartite transaction price during the offseason this summer. If the negotiations go smoothly, Antetokounmpo is expected to airborne Los Angeles to assist Harden and Kat; the Rockets' goal is to score a shooting guard Powell with rich offensive means; the Bucks who lose Antetokounmpo will completely embark on the road of reconstruction. The specific trading plan is:

1. The Clippers send Norman Powell + Ivica Zubac + Derek Jones Jr. + 2025 Thunder's first round pick (30th pick) + 2030 Clippers' first round pick + 2032 Clippers' first round pick + 2031 Clippers' first round pick swap rights to get Giannis Antetokounmpo;

2. The Rockets send Cameron Whitmore + Jock Landale + 2025 Suns' first round pick (10th pick) to get Norman Powell;

3. The Bucks send Giannis Antetokounmpo to get Ivica Zubac + Derek Jones Jr. + Cameron Whitmore + Jock Landale + 4 future first round picks + 1 future first round pick swap rights.

This transaction is of great significance to the Rockets. Jaylen Green's poor performance in the playoffs turned the Rockets' strong point in the shooting guard position into a weak ring, and the Rockets' weak offense was undoubtedly demonstrated. Powell has performed his best career this season, averaging 32.6 minutes per game, scoring 21.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.2 steals, and his three-point shooting percentage is as high as 41.8%. Due to his outstanding performance, he almost made it to the All-Star lineup. He is the super scorer that General Manager Raphael Stone is eager to find, which can relieve the pressure on Jaylen Green and VanVleet and become the leader and offensive fulcrum of the Rockets' second team.

The Bucks were eliminated by the Pacers in the first round of the playoffs and Lillard was seriously injured, Antetokounmpo was open to leaving Milwaukee. Former NBA player Jaylen Ross said in the show "NBA on TNT" that Antetokounmpo can shine wherever he is. He has been in Milwaukee for 12 years and has tried his best to win the championship every year. Now is the time to make a change. Of course, the Clippers' bargaining chips may not be able to impress the Bucks management. The Mavericks, who hold the No. 1 pick in 2025, have become the biggest favorite in pursuit of Antetokounmpo. The No. 1 pick is obviously more attractive than several first-round picks. But in comparison, the Clippers have a greater hope of winning the championship. Moreover, Harden, Xiaoka and Antetokounmpo do not have any overlap in position, and their compatibility is better. The three All-Stars' teaming up is expected to change the NBA league next season.

All views refer to authoritative American media and are for reference only. Click to follow and recommend fans first.