The Atlanta Hawks could be in the running for Giannis Antetokounmpo if they wanted to be, but as Jake Fischer said on a Bleacher Report livestream, they're not willing to part with the 2026 first-round pick they received from the Pelicans last summer or with Jalen Johnson. Fischer said he doesn't see the team "as a realistic fit right now" with those two assets off the board.
Fischer did point out how Giannis wanted the Hawks to draft him in 2013, and that they interviewed his agent, Alex Saratsis, last offseason for the top executive spot. Those two connections certainly are worth something, but as of right now, Atlanta has taken itself out of the race.
Could that change? Absolutely. Giannis is Giannis, after all. The Hawks could talk themselves into a trade, or the Bucks could, as Atlanta could make the offer that Milwaukee wants — a combination of young players and draft assets.
Hawks reportedly not in running for Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Bucks could wait until the offseason to trade Giannis, when teams like the Heat and Knicks would gain access to additional first-round picks. Another benefit of waiting is that Milwaukee would know the draft lottery order. What if Atlanta ends up with the No. 1 pick? It'd be hard to envision the Hawks giving that up, but then again, this is a unique situation.
Perhaps Milwaukee would be content to receive that pick and let Atlanta keep Johnson, but there's still no guarantee the Hawks would do that. The Bucks may not be willing to do that, either.
Unless Atlanta reverses course, the interested teams that could make the best offer are Miami and Golden State. The Heat can trade up to four first-round picks over the summer, and the Warriors are reportedly willing to part with their four first-round picks.
Golden State could make a push to land Giannis before the deadline, which is in a week. Or maybe another team will get him between now and Feb. 5 at 3 p.m. ET. It would be smarter for Milwaukee to hold out a few more months, possibly with the intent of waiting to see if Atlanta will change its mind.
For now, the Hawks seem content to stay away from the ongoing trade saga and focus on their post-Trae Young era without going after another star. They believe they have a young star in Johnson, and they can add another in June. Those two things could keep them away from Giannis entirely.