The Atlanta Hawks own the rights to the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2026 and 2027 first round picks, which could be essential for any potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade.
The New York Knicks want Karl-Anthony Towns out, and Antetokounmpo’s days in Milwaukee appear numbered. But rumors linking the two-time MVP to NYC have persisted for over six months; why would now be any different than the months of inaction?
The Knicks do not have the draft picks required to trade for a player as talented as Giannis. They currently hold five firsts, but only one of these can be traded outright. The rest would have to be sent as swaps, but swaps hold minimal value for Milwaukee if they tank and the Knicks soar up the standings. While the Knicks have intriguing players to trade, none fit the Bucks’ timeline.
But tensions are flaring in New York, and consequently, the team is on a slight decline. They have fallen into two separate four-game losing streaks over the past month and are ranked 24th in offense over the past two weeks. Something has to change.
Reports have indicated the Portland Trail Blazers have thrown their hat in the ring to facilitate a trade, as the Blazers own two Milwaukee swaps and are rumored to be interested in Mikal Bridges. A trade structured around Antetokounmpo, Towns, Bridges, Jerami Grant, and picks from Portland and New York has gained some traction among insiders and analysts alike.
This all makes sense until you realize Atlanta is better positioned to facilitate a trade than Portland.
The Hawks should look to poach a player in a rushed trade
This is the type of move newly-crowned GM Onsi Saleh dreams of. New York is desperate; Milwaukee is desperate; but Atlanta is quietly waiting for their moment to pounce. This is their moment.
The Hawks hold two pick swaps between New Orleans and Milwaukee over the next two seasons, earning the more favorable pick this year and the less favorable in 2027. While the 2026 pick may be untouchable, the 2027 pick is certainly available for the right price.
The Hawks could greatly benefit from either Mikal Bridges or OG Anunoby. Bridges is the more exciting player, given his unique offensive capabilities, but Anunoby would provide size and strength to a Hawks forward core that desperately lacks them.
No matter what direction Saleh wants to take the franchise, getting a chance at a player as talented as Anunoby or Bridges is a can’t-miss trade. If Atlanta is willing to tender a competitive offer, the franchise could quietly come away with a steal for helping two desperate teams.