Bucks could acquire $105 million guard via trade with Rockets

The narrative surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks is that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard are the lone players safe from the trade block. This leaves the front office with some serious flexibility, which could result in a rather major trade at February's deadline. A young star also with an uncertain future is Houston Rockets guard Jalen Green, who signed a three-year, $105 million contract extension just a few days ago.

Many are of the opinion this deal was inked for a trade down the road. Which side would decline a move centered around Khris Middleton for Green? Green is only set to earn roughly $12 million this season before his extension kicks in for the 2026 campaign. This factor further complicates the financial side, but there's way around Middleton's $31 million salary.

It's hard to say one organization walks always with regret by making this trade. The Rockets are too young with a ton of mouths to feed, limiting their ability to contend for a title. Middleton's scoring numbers have dropped significantly in the past two seasons, which could benefit Houston.

He averaged 15.1 points on 49.3% shooting last year.

Allowing the 33-year-old to act as a leader off the floor while contributing strong perimeter defense is ideal. Meanwhile, the Bucks gain a 22-year-old with All-Star potential. If Antetokounmpo decides he wants out after this season, it doesn't leave Milwaukee with no one to build off.

The Rockets guard could act as either a scoring option on a championship contender or be the face of a rebuild. MORE BUCKS NEWS: NBA Insider drops major clue about Giannis Antetokounmpo's Bucks future.