Proposed blockbuster Bucks trade sees Milwaukee deal Giannis Antetokounmpo for unforeseen $150 million Rich Paul client originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Nothing has truly gone right for the Milwaukee Bucks so far this season, as they continue to lose, sitting at 10-15 in 10th place in the Eastern Conference. With this in mind, their superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, may want out.
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There have been rumors of where he could be traded, but a newly proposed trade comes from someone unforeseen: Klutch Sports agency owner Rich Paul. Paul believes the Bucks should make a trade for one of his clients: Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson.
“If I’m the Bucks, I’m looking at a young player, high character, high talent, high IQ. I’m calling Atlanta. I want Jalen Johnson. He’s from Milwaukee,” Paul said.
With that in mind, Fansided’s Christopher Kline created a trade proposal between the Hawks and the Bucks for Antetokounmpo and Johnson. The trade would look like this:
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Hawks get: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jericho Sims
Bucks get: Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu, Luke Kennard, 2027 first-round pick (Lowest of MIL/NOP), and 2030 first-round pick (ATL)
“Generally, it’s silly to say “I wouldn’t trade X YOUNG STAR for Giannis Antetokounmpo,” as we’re talking about a two-time MVP and a former champ still operating at or near the peak of his powers. That said, Jalen Johnson — on an affordable contract through 2029-30 and still only 23 years old — is a rare exception. The Hawks should be extremely hesitant to trade him,” Kline wrote.
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Kline has a point. If the Hawks were to make this deal, they’d be sacrificing their future to win now with Antetokounmpo and Trae Young. And in a weak Eastern Conference, it’s definitely possible.
Overall, it’s unlikely the Hawks will move Johnson. However, there have been inexplicable blockbuster trades as recent as last season, so don’t be surprised if it does happen.