If the Atlanta Hawks phoned the Milwaukee Bucks and offered the farm for Giannis Antetokounmpo, this saga would likely be over. In a recent piece from The Athletic's Sam Amick (subscription required), NBA executives believed the Hawks were in a prime position to get a deal done, but Hawks officials have made it clear that they plan to take a team-building approach rather than chase a star.
Hawks aren't in on Giannis, even if they have a great trade package
Atlanta has arguably the most valuable asset in the league right now in the more favorable 2026 first-round pick between Milwaukee and New Orleans. With both teams struggling this season, there is a good chance the pick lands in the top five, potentially even top three. The Bucks would love to have that New Orleans pick and then their own, setting themselves up nicely in a loaded 2026 NBA Draft.
The Hawks also have Jalen Johnson, who is the type of blue-chip prospect the Milwaukee Bucks must demand from any team in a Giannis trade. Johnson is having a breakout year, averaging an impressive line of 23.1 points, 10.5 rebounds, eight assists, and 1.3 assists per game. He'd be the perfect player to help jumpstart a potential rebuild in Milwaukee over the next several years.
Atlanta also has a handful of other compelling draft assets and young players that could make them the clear frontrunner for Giannis. However, all signs point to them taking the patient route. Johnson, who was just named an All-Star, is just 24 years old. That 2026 pick could land them a top-three player in the upcoming draft. The Hawks seemingly would rather take that than a 31-year-old Giannis.
Amick notes that Atlanta may look to emulate the style of team-building that Oklahoma City and San Antonio have embraced. Rather than go star-chasing, those teams have mainly built through the draft and are set up to contend for the next decade-plus. It's a slow process, as both teams struggled for many years, but it looks like it will certainly be worth it in the long run.
Any interested Giannis Antetokounmpo trade suitor, such as the Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, or New York Knicks, better hope that the Hawks stick to their guns and don't alter their stance here. If they do, Giannis could be on the first available flight to Atlanta very soon.
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