Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee remains one of the NBA’s biggest question marks, and as the league keeps a close eye on what the Bucks might do, the Atlanta Hawks have quietly emerged as a team worth watching. But if the Bucks were to pick up the phone and call Atlanta, they might quickly find out that one of the Hawks’ most intriguing young stars is off the table - and it’s not Trae Young.
That player is Jalen Johnson.
Johnson’s name entered the rumor mill recently after his agent, Rich Paul, brought him up during an episode of his Game Over podcast with Max Kellerman. Paul didn’t mince words when discussing a potential Giannis trade scenario.
“If I’m the Bucks … I’m calling Atlanta. I want Jalen Johnson. He’s from Milwaukee,” said Paul, who heads Klutch Sports.
It’s a bold statement, but here’s the thing - Johnson may already be in a tier where even Giannis doesn’t move the needle enough to pry him loose.
Jalen Johnson: From Rising Star to Untouchable
Johnson has taken a massive leap this season, and it’s not just the numbers - though those are eye-popping in their own right. He’s averaging 23.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game - all career highs - and he’s doing it while coming off a season-ending injury last year. That kind of bounce-back and production has vaulted him into the All-Star conversation and made him a frontrunner in the Most Improved Player race.
More importantly, Johnson’s growth has translated to wins. Even with Trae Young sidelined due to a right knee MCL sprain, Johnson has stepped up and led the Hawks to a 15-12 start. He’s not just filling in - he’s driving the team forward.
According to league insiders, Johnson is now viewed internally by Atlanta as untouchable - in the same breath as the unprotected 2026 first-round pick they gave up to land Derik Queen. That’s not a designation teams hand out lightly. It means the Hawks see Johnson as a cornerstone, not a trade chip.
Why Johnson Matters to Atlanta’s Future
At just 23 years old, Johnson checks every box for a franchise looking to build for the long haul. He’s young, versatile, and already producing at an elite level. His ability to impact the game on both ends - scoring, rebounding, facilitating - makes him the kind of player you build around, not trade away.
And with Trae Young’s future in Atlanta still a bit murky, Johnson’s emergence gives the Hawks a potential new face of the franchise. He’s shown he can lead, carry the offensive load, and be a difference-maker in crunch time. That’s rare air for a player this early in his career.
Where This Leaves the Giannis Trade Chatter
If the Bucks ever do entertain the idea of moving Giannis, they’ll want a haul - and understandably so. But if they’re eyeing Atlanta as a potential trade partner, they may need to look beyond Johnson.
The Hawks, by all indications, aren’t moving him. Not now.
Not for anyone.
So while Rich Paul’s comments might stir the pot, the reality is this: Jalen Johnson has played his way into a tier where even a two-time MVP might not be enough to get Atlanta to pick up the phone.
And that says everything you need to know about how far Johnson has come - and where the Hawks believe he’s headed.