The Atlanta Hawks don't often find themselves right in the middle of the biggest NBA destination conversations.
They aren't there for Giannis Antetokounmpo, either, at least if you look at all the speculation.
But if the Milwaukee Bucks' superstar requests a trade, the Hawks have something no one else has to offer.
They own potential Bucks' draft picks in both 2026 and 2027.
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The Athletic's John Hollinger broke it all down in a new story out Tuesday:
"Thus, (the Hawks) hold the key to the Bucks being able to tank their way back into contention post-Giannis. The Bucks own the least favorable of their own or the New Orleans' Pelicans' 2026 pick, while the Hawks own the most favorable; trading with Atlanta would give them access to both... The Hawks can trade two picks and two swaps on top of that, and have a young star forward making $30 million (Jalen Johnson) who can serve as the core of a salary match."
The Hawks have already proven this offseason they're going for it. They traded for Celtics big fella Kristaps Porzingis in a clear move geared toward contention.
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Obviously, trading for Antetokounmpo would be a whole different level, but it doesn't seem impossible for Atlanta.
The Hawks will have to wait and see what Giannis wants to do as far as his future in Milwaukee. But if Antetokounmpo asks out, the Hawks have a very appealing hat to throw into the ring.
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