If the Milwaukee Bucks are ever compelled to evaluate trade scenarios involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, an analysis from ESPN’s Kevin Pelton suggests the Atlanta Hawks may present the strongest potential return, largely because of their ability to include both high-level talent and control of future Milwaukee draft assets.
Pelton’s hypothetical scenario sends Antetokounmpo and Cole Anthony to Atlanta, while the Bucks would receive Trae Young, No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, and four future first-round selections tied to outcomes involving the Bucks or the New Orleans Pelicans.
The proposed deal addresses both the short- and long-term needs of a franchise preparing for the possibility of a roster transition. Young represents an immediate starting-caliber point guard capable of anchoring an offense, while Risacher offers developmental upside as a recent top selection. The return of future picks provides Milwaukee with a clearer path to reshaping its roster beyond the Antetokounmpo era.
Proposed Structure of the Trade
Atlanta Hawks get:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Cole Anthony
Bucks get:
Trae Young
Zaccharie Risacher
2026 first-round pick (via better of Pelicans and Bucks)
2027 first-round pick (top-four protected, via worse of Pelicans and Bucks)
2029 first-round pick (top-four protected 2029 to 2031, unprotected in 2032 if not conveyed)
2031 first-round pick (top-four protected in 2031 if eligible, otherwise unprotected in 2032)Note: Trade cannot be completed until Dec. 15
Pelton wrote that Atlanta’s control over these future draft outcomes is unique compared to other teams positioned for a potential pursuit of Antetokounmpo.
“The Hawks have the ability to help Milwaukee regain its own picks as part of a post-Giannis rebuild,” Pelton said, identifying the 2026 and 2027 draft slots as particularly valuable depending on season results.
Pelton also noted that the Bucks could consider rerouting Young to another team for additional assets or use his contract to create salary flexibility.
Contract and Future Factors Surrounding Trae Young
Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks reacts during a 119-102 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on January 03, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
Any deal involving Young arrives at a time when his future in Atlanta remains somewhat undefined. The Hawks made limited progress toward a contract extension during the offseason, the first under general manager Onsi Saleh, which prompted questions within the league about the guard’s long-term role with the franchise.
Young said he was not concerned.
“I’m not worried about it,” Young told ESPN in October. “I can only control the present. And I know if we win, everybody eats.”
A move to Milwaukee could give him a fresh start, or if the Bucks decide to reroute him.
The Hawks have continued winning in his absence. Young has been sidelined with a sprained MCL, and Atlanta has posted an 11-7 record without him, led by the growth of forward Jalen Johnson.
Young, 27, is earning $46 million this season and holds a $49 million player option for 2026–27. He remains eligible to sign a four-year, $229 million extension through June 30.
A Best-Case Scenario Rooted in Contingency
The Bucks have not signaled any interest in pursuing trade discussions, and Antetokounmpo has not requested a trade.
“Giannis has never asked to be traded. Ever. I can’t make that more clear,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “The reason this is out is because we’re not playing well. … It’s no more true than it was this summer.”
Rivers’ rebuttal came after fresh internal discussions between the two-time MVP, his agent Alex Saratsis, and Bucks leadership, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Wednesday. Those conversations centered on organizational direction and expectations following a 9–13 start to the season.
“A resolution is expected in the coming weeks,” Charania wrote on X.
Pelton’s proposal is framed as a contingency exercise, outlining what a favorable return could look like if circumstances change.
Atlanta’s combination of draft control, proven talent and recent top selections positions the Hawks among the limited number of teams capable of constructing a package that reflects Antetokounmpo’s value. However, the proposal remains hypothetical, dependent on variables Milwaukee has not indicated it intends to explore.
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