The Atlanta Hawks have already completed one of the smartest and most forward-thinking offseasons in the NBA. Acquiring Kirstaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker were all slam dunk moves, but according to The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, the Hawks are in a position to be a suitor for Giannis Antetokounmpo as well.
In a recent episode of the Game Theory Podcast, Vecenie suggested that the Hawks are quietly among the best-positioned teams in the NBA to make a run at Antetokounmpo, should the Milwaukee Bucks actually make him available. That possibility alone introduces a new layer to Atlanta’s summer that no one saw coming, and one that could shift the entire trajectory of the franchise.
Vecenie points out that the Hawks hold Milwaukee’s unprotected 2026 first-round pick, one of the most intriguing assets in the league given the Bucks’ current uncertainty. Damian Lillard was just waived, Brook Lopez signed with the LA Clippers on Monday night, and Khris Middleton is gone as well. If Giannis were to become available, Atlanta would not only be able to offer the Bucks their own pick back, but they also have a deep stockpile of rotation talent, young wings, and future flexibility to build a compelling offer.
Atlanta could make sense for Antetokounmpo
More importantly, the Hawks now have the type of long-term vision that might appeal to a star like Giannis. Atlanta has shaped their roster to be more versatile, balanced and far more modern in structure. A frontcourt pairing of Antetokounmpo and Onyeka Okongwu would bring defensive dominance, while Giannis playing alongside the likes of Zaccharie Risacher and Jalen Johnson would unlock a level of switchability few teams could match.
Of course, none of this is guaranteed. Giannis has not asked for a trade, and there is a chance that Milwaukee steadies the ship. But if the Bucks’ current downward spiral continues, Atlanta will be one of the first teams on the phone.
To this point, the Hawks’ offseason has been about setting the foundation. However, if Antetokounmpo becomes available, this new-look front office might flip the switch earlier than expected. Atlanta has already been more bold in making moves than many were expecting. They're clearly ready to jump on the opportunity that a wide-open Eastern Conference is going to provide in 2025-26. If the opportunity to get a player like number 34 in Milwaukee is presented, don't think the Hawks are going to shy away from it.