Jalen Johnson has been playing at an MVP level this season - not unlike a certain Center for the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokic recently recognized Jalen Johnson's high-level play, stating the following:
"I watched Atlanta a few times recently, you know, because of that kid Jalen Johnson. He's an interesting player. He's like a little fawn. He's good."
While you and I would be hard-pressed to describe the 6'8 Johnson as "little," Jokic's description is otherwise apt. The lanky point forward has clearly sparked interest from Jokic, perhaps reminding him of a younger, more playmaking-heavy, more aggressive version of his high-caliber teammate Aaron Gordon.
To earn the praise of The Joker is highly coveted and extremely rare in the league. Could he envision a future playing alongside Johnson? Could Jokic potentially don a Hawks uniform before his career is over?
Is it within reason for the Hawks to lure the Serbian Sensation to Atlanta?
Unfortunately, Nikola Jokic has stated time and time again that he loves Denver. His roots run deep with the city. The Joker has expressed firm opposition to ever departing; when asked about imagining a future with another franchise after Denver, he had this to say:
“I wouldn’t like to imagine that. Even if we never win anything else after this, an organic title, it means more to me than anything... I really found peace here. My two kids were born here. Everyone’s here. Peace, home, I found my life here. And I like life here. I don’t feel the need, I don’t have the urge to. We built something here, together as a team.”
Jokic would be one tough cookie to crack if Atlanta hopes to lure him away from his home in Denver - but it might not be impossible. With his praise for Jalen Johnson compounded with Atlanta's serious cap flexibility when Jokic's contract expires with the Nuggets (2028-2029), there certainly exists a reality where bad blood boils over in Denver, and the Hawks seem the most tantalizing landing spot.
Value deals extending into the 2028-29 season such as Johnson's $30M contract, Alexander-Walker's $16M option, Dyson Daniel's $25M deal, Asa Newell's last year of his $8M/yr rookie deal, and the future third year of the contract of the top Bucks/Pels pick this draft (likely $10-15M) offer a seriously dangerous core to pair alongside a ludicrous amount of money the Hawks could throw Joker's way.
While this is far from likely, you never know what the NBA has in store. After all, Joker's close friend and fellow superstar Luka Doncic is a Los Angeles Laker!