Despite repeated denials, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains the subject of trade rumors. For several seasons, the Milwaukee Bucks have maintained their status as one of the elite teams in the Eastern Conference. However, that has changed this season.

Looking at the Bucks’ current standing, they sit 10th in the East and continue to struggle to climb the ranks. With that in mind, some believe Milwaukee could eventually be forced to trade Antetokounmpo, despite the organization’s insistence that it has no intention of letting the Greek Freak go.

NBA agent Rich Paul voiced his opinion on who the Bucks should pursue in return if they decide to trade Giannis.

NBA Agent Rich Paul Suggests Bucks Should Phone the Hawks as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Trade Destination

There is no denying that Antetokounmpo is a highly desirable asset. He is a former NBA champion who continues to produce MVP‑level numbers, averaging 28.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists this season.

With that in mind, the Bucks should be able to secure assets of equal value if they trade Giannis. While many expect the Greek Freak to be dealt for another All‑Star, Paul has offered a different perspective on how Milwaukee should approach the situation.

Paul mentioned the Atlanta Hawks as a good trade destination for Antetokounmpo. However, the Bucks should not ask for Trae Young in the deal. Instead, Milwaukee should target rising star Jalen Johnson, who is in the first year of a five-year, $150 million deal.

“With Giannis, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a star,” Paul said. “(The Bucks) are not getting a star back to the level of Giannis. … If I’m the Bucks, I’m looking at young player, high character, high talent, high IQ. … I’m calling Atlanta. I want Jalen Johnson. He’s from Milwaukee.”

Rich Paul says the Bucks should ask for his client Jalen Johnson in a Giannis trade

“If I’m the Bucks, I’m looking at young player, high character, high talent, high IQ. I’m calling Atlanta. I want Jalen Johnson. He’s from Milwaukee”

(h/t @NBA__Courtside)pic.twitter.com/vVTSXsq8W6

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) December 9, 2025

While Johnson may not be on everyone’s radar yet, the young Hawks player is slowly making a name for himself. This season, he is averaging career highs of 23.4 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 7.9 assists while shooting 40.4% from beyond the arc.

The fact that he is averaging a double-double proves he is capable of becoming a star in the league. The Bucks acquiring Johnson in a trade does not appear to be a poor outcome. It would allow them to begin a rebuild and invest in a young player who could eventually become the face of the franchise in the post‑Antetokounmpo era.