Remember when the New Orleans Pelicans sent the Hawks an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to trade for Derik Queen in the 2025 draft? Of course you do. No one could believe it was happening, not even the Hawks, who still had the player they wanted drafted at No. 23. Speaking of Atlanta and that unprotected pick, it could help the Hawks land none other than Giannis Antetokounmpo.
On Wednesday, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Giannis and his agent are “in discussions” with Milwaukee about the future of the superstar. Those discussions include determining whether Giannis should remain with the Bucks or if he would be better off elsewhere. It won’t be long before we conclude that he would indeed be better off elsewhere.
Teams have long been lining up to trade for Giannis. One of the teams that could be on his wish list (if the Bucks decide to work of him in a deal) could be the Hawks. Atlanta will get the more favorable outcome for the choice between New Orleans and Milwaukee. The Pelicans are currently 3-19, the worst record in the West, and the Bucks are 9-13, 11th in the East.
Either way, the Hawks will have a high pick in a stacked lottery class, and that’s a pick Milwaukee should want.
The Hawks could trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
When the Hawks landed that pick, they knew it was a win-win situation. Everyone but the Pelicans knew New Orleans wouldn’t be close to a playoff team, and Milwaukee’s situation didn’t look good either. Atlanta’s front office immediately looked to add another talented young player to the roster or use the pick as a trade chip if a star were to hit the market.
You may think there’s little chance Giannis wants to play in Atlanta. He does have influence, as he will be eligible for an extension next October. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on NBA Today that Milwaukee will work with Giannis on where he wants to go and then try to get the best offer possible. Although that may not happen.
Other teams could outbid the Hawks, but you can’t rule out Atlanta. You can bet the Hawks are trying to figure out what they think would be a good offer for Giannis, if they haven’t already. It’s not every day you get the chance to add a generational talent to your roster.
All New Orleans can do is sit back and watch the saga unfold, because there’s absolutely no chance Giannis will end up with the Pelicans, but they could help him reach his destination.
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