Could Giannis Be on the Move? Hawks Face a Franchise-Altering Decision
As the NBA trade deadline inches closer, the rumor mill is heating up - and this one could shake the league to its core. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time MVP and face of the Milwaukee Bucks, is reportedly frustrated with the direction of the franchise. If that frustration turns into a formal trade request, it would send shockwaves through the league - and open the door for some bold front offices to make a play for one of the most dominant forces in basketball.
One team that's surfaced in the conversation? The Atlanta Hawks.
The Hawks as a Landing Spot: Tempting, but Tricky
Atlanta has talent, youth, and flexibility - the kind of ingredients that could, in theory, make them a viable trade partner for the Bucks. But the name at the center of the hypothetical deal is one that’s rapidly becoming untouchable in Hawks circles: Jalen Johnson.
Johnson is having a breakout season, averaging 24 points per game and making a serious push toward his first All-Star nod. He’s not just producing - he’s evolving.
The 21-year-old forward has flashed a rare blend of athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive versatility. He’s not just a promising young piece anymore; he’s becoming the piece.
That’s why some voices around the league - including Bill Simmons - are urging caution.
“He’s untouchable,” Simmons said. “If I’m the Hawks, and the Bucks say, ‘You can have Giannis for Jalen Johnson,’ I’d have a seven-hour meeting about it, but I’d still rather keep the younger guy who keeps ascending.”
That’s not a throwaway comment. It’s a reflection of how highly Johnson is regarded - and how complex this potential trade scenario really is.
Age, Upside, and the MVP Dilemma
It’s not just Simmons who’s pumping the brakes. Tim Legler, known for his sharp breakdowns and player development insights, echoed the sentiment - pointing to the age gap between the two players (Johnson is seven years younger) and the trajectory Johnson is on.
“There’s no telling what his ultimate ceiling is,” Legler said. “When you have a guy that young, that talented, who is doing it this easily, you really don’t even know how much more there is to grow.”
That’s the kind of upside that makes front offices nervous to part ways with a rising star - even for someone as proven as Giannis. And make no mistake, Giannis is proven.
He’s a Finals MVP, a perennial All-NBA selection, and arguably the most physically dominant player in the league. But the Hawks have to weigh that against Johnson’s long-term potential and the timeline of their current core.
What Would a Trade Look Like?
Let’s be real: if the Hawks want Giannis, Jalen Johnson is the most obvious chip. But if Atlanta decides Johnson is off the table, they’d still have other assets to work with.
The most straightforward path? Trae Young.
Young is an All-Star talent in his own right, but if the Hawks were forced to choose between building around Johnson or Young, it’s not outlandish to think they’d lean toward the younger, more versatile forward. A package centered around Young - possibly with Onyeka Okongwu or other young pieces - could at least get Milwaukee’s attention.
There’s also a more ambitious route: keep both Johnson and Young, and try to build a “big three” by sending out a combination of young prospects and future draft capital. It would be a massive gamble - the kind that could mortgage the future - but it’s also how championship windows are created.
And if you’re going to go all-in, doing it for Giannis Antetokounmpo is about as justifiable as it gets.
Final Thoughts: A Franchise at a Crossroads
This isn't just about one trade. It’s about identity, timeline, and vision. The Hawks are at a critical juncture: do they stay patient and build around a rising star like Johnson, or do they swing for the fences and try to land a generational talent in Giannis?
There’s no easy answer. But one thing’s clear - if Giannis becomes available, the Hawks will have to make a decision that could define their franchise for the next decade.
And in the NBA, those decisions don’t come around often.