Hawks Unwilling to Include Jalen Johnson in Any Pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo
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The Atlanta Hawks have made it clear that forward Jalen Johnson will not be part of any trade offer for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Fischer reported that Atlanta’s front office views the 24-year-old Johnson as a foundational player and has repeatedly labeled the idea of moving him a “non-starter.” Despite holding several future Bucks draft picks—assets that could position Atlanta as a logical trade partner if Antetokounmpo ever hits the market—the Hawks remain firm in protecting Johnson.
Team officials and league sources told Fischer that they consider Johnson to have MVP-level upside. That belief led Atlanta to swiftly reject speculation earlier this season that the 6-foot-8 forward could be packaged in a potential deal for the two-time NBA MVP.
For now, most executives around the league do not expect Antetokounmpo to be made available this summer, leaving the Hawks to explore other avenues should they seek a blockbuster addition.
Source: Hoops Wire
