TITLE: League-Wide Trade Chatter Centers on Bucks’ Plans for Giannis, Hawks’ Next Move and Lakers’ Defensive Wish List
SLUG: bucks-giannis-hawks-jalen-johnson-lakers-trade-deadline
CONTENT:
Bypassing a rebuild, Milwaukee still shows no sign of discussing Giannis Antetokounmpo trades, while Atlanta weighs options around Kristaps Porzingis’ contract and Los Angeles targets perimeter stoppers ahead of the deadline.
Bucks stand pat on Antetokounmpo
Executives continue to wait for any hint that the Milwaukee Bucks will entertain offers for two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, but league sources told reporter Marc Stein that no such indication has surfaced. Even after Sunday’s 45-point defeat to Brooklyn, the organization has not signaled a philosophical shift.
The prevailing belief among rival front offices is that Milwaukee will try to bolster the roster around its franchise cornerstone rather than start over. Should Antetokounmpo ever reach the market, at least three potential bidders—the Spurs, Rockets and Thunder—are now expected to stand aside, according to Stein.
Hawks’ deadline hinges on Porzingis contract
In Atlanta, meaningful trade activity is expected to flow through Kristaps Porzingis’ $30.7 million expiring deal, Stein reported. Porzingis’ recently disclosed illness, which will sideline him for at least two weeks, complicates those talks, especially given lingering health concerns from last postseason.
One player who is not available, per the report, is forward Jalen Johnson. With Trae Young limited to five games because of a knee injury, Johnson has been pivotal, logging four consecutive triple-doubles to match Nikola Jokić for the longest streak this season. The Hawks are 12-9 without Young, while Johnson is averaging 23.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 8.8 assists in those contests.
Lakers seek two-way wings
The Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA Cup loss to San Antonio underscored a persistent flaw: containing dribble penetration. Head coach JJ Redick acknowledged the shortcoming, noting, “Being able to contain the basketball is probably the most difficult thing for our team right now.”
Los Angeles is expected to shop aggressively for three-and-D players before the deadline, though options are thin beyond Sacramento guard Keon Ellis, Stein wrote. The front office also prefers players who sync with the timelines of Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves—both in their mid-to-late 20s—placing an emphasis on age as well as skill set.
The objectives for all three clubs are clear; how they meet them over the coming weeks will shape the stretch run of the season.
Source: Hoops Wire
