It’s no secret that the Hawks’ Jalen Johnson has been an ideal trade target for the Bucks, and now that sentiment has been confirmed by his agent, Rich Paul. Paul has long been one of the NBA’s most influential agents and the CEO of Klutch Sports.
On a recent episode of Game Over with Max Kellerman and Rich Paul, he suggested that the Bucks should pursue Johnson in a potential Giannis trade with the Hawks. His suggestion has ignited speculation that Johnson may be open to joining the Bucks.
Jalen Johnson would be the perfect trade return
Johnson is having a breakout season and is a favorite to make his first All-Star team. He recently had a stretch of four straight triple-doubles and followed it up with a career-high 43-point game (where he was one assist shy of his fifth straight triple-double).
On the season, he’s now averaging 24 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists per game. His rare blend of explosive athleticism and court vision is making him a nightmare mismatch for opposing defenses. And even his outside shot is falling; he’s shooting 39 percent from three.
And the best part? Johnson just turned 24 years old. He’s still got a ton of potential to grow. Naturally, this would make him the Hawks’ most untouchable prospect.
But Rich Paul has been known to influence major trades around the league in the past. If he and Johnson make it known that Atlanta is not Johnson’s preferred home long term, a trade to the Bucks could make sense. The Bucks are built for his preferred point forward role, which has been occupied by Giannis when healthy.
The Bucks also have arguably better long-term partners for Johnson with players like Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. In Atlanta, he has to play alongside Trae Young, who struggles to be effective without the ball. Young also has major defensive deficiencies, which are hard for Johnson to erase. But the Bucks guards lack those problems - and they’re much younger.
Trading Giannis to Atlanta in exchange for Johnson could also benefit the Hawks and the Greek Freak. Giannis is still currently better than Johnson on both ends, so he could elevate the Hawks to title contention. If he can establish good synergy with Young, Giannis can also benefit from Young’s playmaking. For years, Young has spoonfed easy opportunities to his centers. Imagine what the league’s best rim finisher can do with those lobs.
In many ways, a trade centered around Jalen Johnson for Giannis would be ideal for all parties involved. But it won’t be something the Hawks are key to embracing unless their hand is forced. Johnson and his agent, Rich Paul, can make the trade happen if they apply the right pressure.