The Atlanta Hawks have not been directly linked to Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose uncertain future has sparked rampant trade speculation in recent weeks.
The Hawks have, however, been linked to Toronto Raptors executive Masai Ujiri. Ujiri has led to Antetokounmpo trade rumors for the latter organization amid reports of mutual interest, per the Toronto Star's Doug Smith on June 1.
Ujiri seems like a long shot for the Hawks at this point, just like a deal for Antetokounmpo.
The Hawks’ best offer could start off strong, potentially including dynamic forward duo Jalen Johnson, the No. 20 overall pick in 2021, and 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, though 2020 No. 6 pick Onyeka Okongwu could be substituted for soon-to-be second-year pro.
After that, though, the Hawks’ could and almost certainly would lose ground on their competition for Antetokounmpo if he were made available in a trade.
They own two picks in the 2025 NBA Draft.
However, their best selection, via the Sacramento Kings, is on the back of the lottery at No. 13 overall. Their next best is No. 22 overall, courtesy of the Los Angeles Lakers, and from there the situation only grows more dire.
The San Antonio Spurs have swap rights on the Hawks’ first-round pick in 2026 and own their 2027 pick. Atlanta owns the New Orleans Pelicans' 2027 first-rounder, but cannot control where it lands.
The next Hawks first-rounder that can be included in a trade is their 2028 pick.
They can also include their 2030 and 2032 firsts, and swap options in 2029 and 2031. Perhaps that is enough to entice the Bucks and pair the two-time MVP, Antetokounmpo, with Hawks’ All-Star point guard, Trae Young, whose own future has been subject to speculation.
The Hawks would still have young players in Okongwu, assuming Atlanta holds onto him, and Dyson Daniels around Young, who turns 27 in September, and Atetokounmpo.
Antetokounmpo turns 31 in December, hardly old but also on the backside of his prime.
Reality of potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade a daunting reminder for Hawks
The Hawks would have no draft capital to fill out the roster around their two stars on hefty salaries in an era where cap management is paramount to success. Antetokounmpo is an undeniable difference maker.
He is also one of those players the likes of which it would take a franchise-altering offer to acquire along with his three-year, $175.4 million contract that he is set to begin.
There is likely no right or wrong stance on whether the Hawks should acquire Antetokounmpo.
There are, however, very real ramifications that come with such a monumental move, the likes of which the Hawks have often flirted with but have rarely, if ever, pulled the trigger on. Trading for Dejounte Murray was bold, but not as much as a deal for Antetokounmpo would be. It also failed.
Moreover, passing on trading for Pascal Siakam suggests the Hawks have limits, which would seemingly fall short of Antetokounmpo landing in Atlanta.
That could prove true for many high-level stars, making an organic path even more appealing.