Two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is widely expected to begin the 2025-26 season in a Milwaukee Bucks uniform, but there is growing uncertainty about his future with the franchise.
In light of the rumors, Fadeaway World proposed a blockbuster idea that would send Antetokounmpo to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for a large haul of young players and draft assets that will help the Bucks fast-track their rebuild.
Hawks would receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Bucks would receive: Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, 2026 first-round pick (most favorable of MIL/NOP), 2027 first-round pick (least favorable of MIL/NOP), 2029 first-round pick (ATL), 2031 first-round pick (ATL)
In Johnson, one of the fastest rising stars in the NBA, and Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick in last year’s draft, the Bucks will receive two foundational blocks to turn the page from the Giannis era. Furthermore, four first-round picks will also likely satisfy Milwaukee’s desire to go young and enter a new era for the next decade or so.
How the Trade Helps Milwaukee
“While Johnson and Risacher are valuable assets, it’s the draft picks that could well seal the deal,” read the article. “The Bucks would regain control of their 2026 first-round pick, which would allow them to tank next season. They don’t get full control of their 2027 first-round pick, but it’s unlikely the New Orleans Pelicans are going to be all that good to hurt them too much.
“Add in two more future Hawks first-round picks, and this is a pretty good offer.”
As for the Hawks, they will get to pair Antetokounmpo with Trae Young, Dyson Daniels, Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, creating a veteran roster that could be ready to compete for an NBA championship immediately.
“The Hawks’ offseason had led to them being considered a dark horse in the East, and acquiring Antetokounmpo would arguably make them the favorites.”
“There is a lot to like here, but depth and outside shooting would be slight concerns. If the Hawks can address those issues as well, it’s hard to see how anyone in the East would stop them next season.”
Giannis, Bucks At A Crossroads?
Even as the Bucks have maintained that they have no intention to trade Giannis Antetokounmpo, there is a growing belief that the two sides are at a crossroads.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Antetokounmpo and the Bucks remain engaged in “very real conversations” about their future going forward.
“We’re standing here, it’s Aug. 4. Sources tell me there’s still nothing set in stone about whether Giannis Antetokounmpo will stay in Milwaukee or whether he will be leaving,” Charania said on ESPN’s “Get Up” on Aug. 4. “And so, he’s going to continue to evaluate his future.
“I reported it in mid-May that he’s evaluating whether his best fit is in Milwaukee or is it elsewhere. And that process is continuing. There’s been some very real conversations over the past week or so. The constant question that Giannis has, though, is, ‘Can I win a championship with this roster? Is this roster going to be one for this upcoming year and 2026-2027?’ He wants to win a second championship. So, he’s asking that question over and over.”
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