Atlanta Hawks Refusing To Give Up One Young Star In Giannis Trade Talks

On Wednesday, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that after a long, drawn-out saga, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo made it clear to the organization that he wants out. That sent NBA social media into a frenzy, with fans begging and praying that their team could put together a package that allows them to land the two-time MVP.

One of the teams reportedly in the running was the Atlanta Hawks, and after moving off Trae Young earlier this season, it would make sense for them to try to land a new face of the franchise. However, a new report has revealed that the team is unwilling to move Jalen Johnson, as they wish to build around him and their young core, rather than give up significant pieces to land Giannis.

“In the hours that followed this latest development, some rival executives claimed the Hawks were in prime position to win the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. But that sort of move would almost certainly require giving up 24-year-old small forward Jalen Johnson, the All-Star caliber talent whose place in their program was recently elevated by the decision to send Trae Young to the Washington Wizards. By the time the afternoon came, Hawks officials were sending the message that they weren’t, in fact, involved while emphasizing the plan to build with a long-term view in mind (a la Oklahoma City and San Antonio).”

That comes from Sam Amick, and given that we've seen teams like OKC and San Antonio build around their young stars, it would make sense for a team like this to be unwilling to move their rising star.

Given that Johnson is averaging 23, 11, and 8 this year, it's also easy to see why he's seen as the cornerstone of this organization moving forward, and while a Giannis deal may be tempting, this is the best course of action for Atlanta.