Rich Paul suggests Jalen Johnson/Giannis Antetokounmpo trade

It’s starting to look like a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade is inevitable, with the likelihood of it happening before the deadline increasing by the day. The Bucks are not a championship contender, and they have very few avenues to meaningfully upgrade the roster around him.

Most of the potential suitors named by NBA insiders are the usual suspects — Lakers, Nets, Heat, Knicks, etc. — but the Hawks are getting real respect in these conversations because of the sheer number of assets they have at their disposal. Atlanta has multiple young players who would interest Milwaukee, along with several valuable draft picks, most notably an unprotected 2026 first-rounder (most favorable of NO/MIL) that is trending toward a top-five selection, especially if the Bucks pull the plug on this season.

Unfortunately, to land a talent like Giannis Antetokounmpo, it’s going to take more than just a pile of draft picks. Milwaukee will want proven talent included, and as infamous NBA agent Rich Paul notes, the player the Bucks should covet most is Jalen Johnson.

“If I’m the Bucks, I’m looking at young player, high character, high talent, high IQ. I’m calling Atlanta,” Paul said. “I want Jalen Johnson. He’s from Milwaukee.”

Without a shadow of a doubt, the Bucks’ first ask is going to be Jalen Johnson. And honestly, if the Hawks were willing to include him, Giannis Antetokounmpo would be playing in Atlanta — whether he liked it or not. But I don’t see any scenario where the Hawks entertain that idea unless Giannis is not only willing to come, but also willing to sign an extension. Even then, Atlanta might still balk.

Jalen Johnson is becoming a bona fide superstar in front of the entire league. He’s averaging 23.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists — on the fast track to All-NBA honors. On top of that, he’s locked into an incredibly team-friendly contract through the 2029-2030 season at just $30 million per year. An argument could legitimately be made that, as great as Giannis is, Johnson is actually the more valuable asset when the contract is factored in.

The Hawks aren’t going to consider a deal like that. Frankly, there probably is not a player in the NBA they’d trade Jalen Johnson for.