The Atlanta Hawks are sitting on a treasure chest of assets and a clear sense of direction - but chasing Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn’t appear to be part of the plan. Despite holding valuable draft capital and a rising star in Jalen Johnson, league insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer report that Atlanta has shown no real interest in entering the Giannis sweepstakes.
Let’s break that down.
The Hawks currently control Milwaukee’s first-round picks in the next two drafts - a potentially powerful chip, especially if the Bucks' future becomes shaky. But according to the latest reports, Atlanta has no intention of giving up those picks right now. That’s a strong signal: the front office is playing the long game, not rushing into a blockbuster just because a superstar might be available.
And then there’s Jalen Johnson. The 24-year-old forward has emerged as a foundational piece for Atlanta since the team traded away Trae Young earlier this month.
Johnson’s development isn’t just promising - it’s central to the Hawks’ identity moving forward. He’s playing with confidence, versatility, and a growing command of the game on both ends of the floor.
That’s why, even with Antetokounmpo’s name floating around the rumor mill, the Hawks are reportedly unwilling to include Johnson in any hypothetical deal.
Interestingly, Johnson’s agent, Rich Paul, suggested on a recent podcast that his client - a Milwaukee native - would be a perfect target for the Bucks if they were to move Giannis. But Atlanta doesn’t seem to be entertaining that idea. The team views Johnson as a long-term building block, not a trade chip.
Even if there were a way to land Giannis without parting with Johnson, sources say the Hawks still have reservations. It’s not about Antetokounmpo’s talent - that’s never in question.
But there’s concern about how his skill set would mesh with Johnson’s, especially now that the team has committed to building around the young forward post-Trae Young. Two high-usage, interior-focused forwards could create spacing issues, and the Hawks seem wary of disrupting the chemistry they’re trying to build.
Ultimately, this isn’t about taking a pass on a superstar. It’s about sticking to a vision.
Atlanta is prioritizing flexibility, smart roster construction, and internal development. They’re not swinging for the fences just to make a splash - they’re trying to build something sustainable.
In a league where teams often chase the next big name without a plan, the Hawks are showing patience. And that might be the smartest play of all.