The Atlanta Hawks might be sitting on one of the NBA’s most underrated treasure chests - and it’s all thanks to a pair of future draft pick swaps tied to the Milwaukee Bucks. With Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee growing murkier by the day, those picks are looking more like potential gold mines.
Let’s unpack how Atlanta landed these assets and why they could prove pivotal for the franchise in the coming years.
How the Hawks Got Here
The first piece came via the Dyson Daniels trade, where the Hawks secured the rights to a 2027 first-round pick swap involving the Bucks and the New Orleans Pelicans. It’s a bit of a complicated setup: Atlanta will receive the less favorable of the two picks - unless both Milwaukee and New Orleans land in the top four, in which case New Orleans keeps both. That’s a rare scenario, but not impossible.
Then came the real shocker. Atlanta managed to snag the 2026 pick swap between the Bucks and Pelicans - a pick that was widely considered off-limits.
According to reports, the Hawks’ front office was so surprised by the offer that they asked for clarification multiple times, just to make sure they weren’t mishearing. This wasn’t just a throw-in - it was a high-value asset that could swing the future of the franchise.
The Giannis Factor
Now here’s where things get really interesting. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the face of the Bucks for over a decade, but speculation is swirling about his long-term future in Milwaukee.
While both sides are publicly downplaying any tension, the whispers are growing louder. And if Giannis is traded - or even if the Bucks start slipping in the standings - those pick swaps in Atlanta’s back pocket could become significantly more valuable.
Think about it: if Milwaukee moves on from Giannis, their immediate ceiling drops. That 2026 pick swap could jump in value overnight.
Right now, New Orleans is struggling, so the Pelicans’ pick technically holds better lottery odds. But the Pelicans have every reason to push for wins, while other bottom-tier teams are already leaning into the tank.
That means Atlanta could be looking at a pick in the 7-to-11 range - or, if the lottery gods smile on them, even higher.
The 2027 swap is a little trickier to project. It’s farther out, and there are more unknowns. But if the Bucks spiral post-Giannis, Atlanta could be staring at another top-10 pick - or at the very least, a valuable trade chip.
Hold or Flip?
That’s the big question for the Hawks front office: sit tight and hope the picks hit, or flip them now for proven talent?
There’s a scenario where the Bucks, desperate to regain some control of their future draft capital, might be willing to part with players like Ryan Rollins or Myles Turner in exchange for that 2027 pick. That kind of move would instantly reshape Atlanta’s roster - turning the Dejounte Murray trade into Dyson Daniels and another high-level contributor.
And that’s without even touching the upside of just letting the picks play out. If Milwaukee falters and those picks land high, the Hawks could add cornerstone talent through the draft without giving up a single asset.
The Bigger Picture
Atlanta is in a rare position here. While other teams scramble for short-term answers or try to salvage disappointing seasons, the Hawks have a long game in play - and it’s starting to look very promising.
If Giannis stays in Milwaukee and the Bucks remain contenders, the value of those pick swaps drops. But if the winds shift - and there are signs they might - Atlanta could be holding the keys to a future rebuild that’s already halfway built.
In the NBA, chaos often creates opportunity. And right now, the Hawks are quietly, patiently, and strategically positioned to take full advantage.