It appears the situation in Milwaukee with Giannis Antetokounmpo is nearing an end, with both the Bucks and the former MVP set to discuss his future with the organization, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
“Giannis Antetokounmpo and his agent, Alex Saratsis, are having conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about the two-time NBA MVP’s future — and discussing whether his best fit is staying or a move elsewhere, sources told ESPN on Wednesday,” Charania writes.
“A resolution to these talks is expected in the coming weeks, sources said, which will shape whether Antetokounmpo is available ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.”
With the Bucks sitting at 9–13 and holding very few resources to improve the roster now or in the future, a trade could be imminent, and that has major implications for the Atlanta Hawks for a couple of reasons.
Most notably, Atlanta can put together a trade package as attractive as any team in the league. They have young player assets such as Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Trae Young, Onyeka Okongwu, and Zaccharie Risacher — along with a 2026 unprotected first-round pick that becomes the most favorable of either the Pelicans’ or the Bucks’ selections. Which leads to the second point.
If Milwaukee moves Giannis Antetokounmpo, they will almost certainly sink even further toward the bottom of the standings. That would give the Hawks essentially two chances to land the No. 1 overall pick, and make them a virtual lock to select in the top five. Atlanta could use that pick as the ultimate bargaining chip to lure Giannis to Atlanta, or they could sit back comfortably knowing their young core is already ascending and another superstar-caliber talent could be on the way.
Of course, trading for a player like Antetokounmpo is always more complicated than simply offering the best package. Superstars have enormous leverage in the NBA, and the Bucks will want to do right by him after everything he’s given the franchise. But the bigger point remains:
The Hawks are sitting in an ideal spot, whether they enter the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes or not.
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