185 million, goodbye Rockets! You are the pinnacle of your career, but you are not the leader of Houston.

1. Trading framework: All members can move except Amen, and the Rockets turn on the "Step Mode"

1. Amen Thompson's non-sale status

The only player the Rockets have clearly refused to trade is Amen Thompson. The 22-year-old guard contributed 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists in the regular season this season, and his playoff data increased to 15.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, showing top-level defense transfer capabilities on the defensive end (there was restricted from Curry's shooting percentage to 36%). Management believes that its athleticism, rebounding sense and defensive instinct have all-star potential, and even regards it as a "future version of Dream Chasing Green."

2. Shin Kyung and Green: Value-differentiated trading chips

Shen Kyung's dilemma: Although Shin Kyung averaged 19.1 points, 10.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game this season and was selected as the All-Star, his playoff performance exposed his shortcomings in tough battles (average of 20+11 in the first round but his shooting efficiency dropped to 46.4%), and his three-point shooting percentage was only 23.3%, which is doubtful for his adaptability to Antetokounmpo. Although the Rockets are open to it, the Bucks prefer a trading framework with Green as the core.

Green's deep logic is popular: Green averages 22 points per game this season, with a three-point shooting percentage of 33.2%, and his explosive scoring power and contract cost-effectiveness (US$106 million in 3 years) are more in line with the Bucks' reconstruction needs. In addition, its salary structure (including 10% trading margin) is easy to balance.

3. Draft picks and young assets: The key to trading leverage

Rockets hold the Suns' first round picks in 2025 and 2027 (may be promoted to the top 10 picks) and the Nets' draft picks, providing huge bargaining chips for trading. Potential stocks such as Jabbarry Smith Jr. (13.2 points per game + 38% three-point shooting percentage) and Deming (2025 rookie) may become additional assets.

2. Adaptation dispute: Why did Shin Kyung become a victim?

1. Space contradictions and tactical conflicts

Shen Jing and Antetokounmpo both lack stable outside shooting. If the two towers in the frontcourt are grouped, the offensive space will be crowded. This hidden danger was exposed when the Rockets played against the Warriors in the first round of the playoffs - the opponent's strategy of shrinking the penalty area has greatly reduced the Rockets' offensive efficiency.

2. Key ball ability and defensive ceiling

Although Shin Kyung has low post skills, his scoring efficiency at critical moments in the playoffs (G7 only scored 4 points in the fourth quarter) and his ability to protect the frame (the opponent's shooting percentage increased by 5% when protecting the frame) have been criticized. In comparison, Amen's replacing elasticity (can protect against 1-4 positions) is more in line with the needs of modern basketball.

3. The "sweet burden" of long-term contracts

Shen Kyung's 5-year $185 million contract (2029 player option) is considered a "bad price", if the transaction fails, it will limit the team's salary flexibility. Green's contract design (2027 player option) is more likely to be accepted by the Bucks.

3. Management logic: strategic choices behind talent game

1. Solutions for timeline mismatch

The growth cycle of the Rockets Youth Army (average age 23 years old) is in conflict with the goal of "three-year championship competition" of Uduka. Antetokounmpo (30 years old) can immediately improve its combat effectiveness and shorten the reconstruction window to 3-5 years.

2. Tax Advantages and Urban Gravity

Texas stateless tax policy is attractive to Antetokounmpo (its contracts include 15% trading margin), and Houston's market size and business potential are far greater than Milwaukee.

3. A big bet on risk and return

If the transaction is reached, the Rockets will form the top forward defensive combination of Antetokounmpo + Amen, but they will have to bear the hidden danger of insufficient three-point firepower (the three-point shooting percentage of the starting lineup after the transaction may be lower than the league average). Management believes that Antetokounmpo's conversion offense and Amen's defensive coverage can make up for the projection shortcomings.

4. Potential impact: Reconstruction of the league structure

Bucks Perspective: Get Green + Smith + draft picks through trades, which can be rebuilt around Lillard (if you stay in the team) or completely rebuilt.

Rockets' future: Antetokounmpo's joining will directly impact the Western Conference, but if it fails, it may fall into the "semi-reconstruction trap", similar to the lessons learned by the Nets' trading Durant.

If this transaction is completed, it may become the most controversial case of "talent exchange for super giants" in the past decade, and the courage and risk tolerance of the Rockets management will be tested by history.