The Atlanta Hawks don’t need Giannis Antetokounmpo – they need Jaren Jackson Jr.
Of course, Antetokounmpo is a better player than Jackson Jr. and would instantly elevate the Hawks to championship contender status. But the Hawks would almost certainly have to mortgage their entire future for two guaranteed years of a 31-year-old Giannis. Sure, this trade could work out, but I personally do not feel comfortable betting the next seven years of Atlanta’s future on a Giannis-led Hawks team.
Jackson Jr. is the star that makes more sense for the Hawks to acquire. The 2023 Defensive Player of the Year is on a Grizzlies team that is desperate to hit reset, which should give the Hawks the chance to grab JJJ for cheaper than expected.
Jackson Jr. is a better fit in Atlanta than Giannis
Jackson Jr. has Giannis beat in three ways: age, contract situation, and on-court fit. Giannis holds one edge: talent (admittedly, the most important area).
Jackson Jr. is in his age-26 season, just two years older than Jalen Johnson and one year younger than Trae Young. The three players would form a trio that is made to dominate the East through an all-around attack, which could make for some truly beautiful basketball. He is under contract through the 2028-29 season with a player option for the following year, which gives the Hawks two more years of guaranteed value than a Giannis trade.
The Grizzlies’ forward is also a better fit alongside the Hawks as a free safety-style help defender. While Antetokounmpo also thrives in this defensive role, Jackson Jr. has been an elite shooter at times throughout his career, peaking at 39.4% in his sophomore season. He isn’t the star Giannis is, but he is by far the better option as a supporting player.
JJJ would present one massive problem for the Hawks – he, like Kristaps Porzingis, cannot rebound. Any JJJ trade would involve Porzingis, which opens up the starting center job for the Hawks. If the team can find another strong rebounder to back up Onyeka Okongwu, JJJ’s weakness on the boards can be mitigated.
To revisit the age issue, Antetokounmpo is 31 years old, heavily relies on his unique athletic gifts, and is no longer the durable “ironman” he once was. With each year, the odds of him losing a step to age or injury increase, and Antetokounmpo’s value could take a nosedive with even a small loss in athleticism. He cannot shoot, and he has no post game to speak of. If Giannis is no longer a threat as a slasher or roamer, how good is he?
If the Hawks can trade a couple first round picks and land Giannis, they should take this trade in a heartbeat. But the Bucks have no incentive to let their franchise’s most storied player exit for pennies on the dollar. On the contrary, the Grizzlies could benefit from blowing it up with their plethora of draft picks, and Jackson Jr. is the more sensible option.