Several things working in Hawks’ favor for Giannis Antetokounmpo

There is seemingly a new nugget every day surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is reportedly open to the possibility of being traded this offseason. The Hawks, like about 25 other teams, will show interest, but not too many organizations can put a trade package of young players and picks together like Atlanta.

That part is step one. However, in the NBA, it generally matters where the star wants to go as well. The Bucks, theoretically, could send Giannis Antetokounmpo to the highest bidder, disregarding his wishes altogether. But given everything Giannis has given Milwaukee, they’d rather find a deal that works for all parties.

The Hawks have to pitch the Greek Freak just as much as they do the Bucks if they want to land the prize of the offseason. That’s not something Atlanta has ever been able to do successfully this time of year, but there are a few things that could be working in their favor, according to a recent report from Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.

“If Giannis ever makes the leap and requests a trade — or if the Bucks see writing on the wall and explore preemptive options — he’ll want more than just a new jersey. I’m told he’s looking for three things:

1. Staying in the Eastern Conference, to keep his travel and media profile intact.
2. Being in a position of control, with a voice in roster building and coaching direction.
3. A market where other stars would want to join him — a place that isn’t just a destination for him, but could become a destination because of him.

Enter Toronto and Brooklyn.”

All of this sounds fantastic for the Hawks… until Robinson refers to Toronto and Brooklyn. There’s simply nothing more attractive about those two organizations than Atlanta. The Raptors do have great leadership and culture, but their roster is barren of talent, and they’ve absolutely never been a destination for stars in free agency. In fact, stars generally can’t wait until their contract is up to leave Toronto. Kawhi Leonard led the team to a damn NBA championship and still left the following offseason after just one year in Canada.

Brooklyn, on the other hand, has had a lot of success recruiting stars in the past. If the Nets could work on pitching another star to join Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, they certainly have the assets to make the Bucks a compelling trade package. Still, it’s not easy to convince star players your organization is close to competing for championships after winning just 26 games.

The Hawks theoretically check all three of those boxes. They are obviously in the Eastern Conference, and they don’t need to recruit another star. They already have one in Trae Young, who would take immense pressure off Giannis offensively. About the only question would be how much control he would have in Atlanta? If the organization can’t give him that, Hawks fans might as well pack up their things and never watch a game again, because this team is doomed.

There are several Western Conference contenders that could make the Bucks one helluva a trade package, and Giannis Antetokounmpo would compete for championships year after year. However, if the Eastern Conference is what he desires, the Hawks check all three of these boxes and can make as compelling of a trade offer as just about anybody.

There’s no question Atlanta will be involved if the Bucks start seriously considering trade offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo.