Hawks' Jalen Johnson Dismisses Giannis Trade Rumors

Young star says Hawks reassured him he won't be traded for Bucks superstar

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:38pm

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Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson has dismissed trade rumors that suggested the Milwaukee Bucks should acquire him in exchange for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Johnson said he was quickly reassured by the Hawks' front office that he would not be traded, despite agent Rich Paul's public comments about the potential deal.

Why it matters

The Hawks are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, and Jalen Johnson has emerged as a rising star. Keeping Johnson is crucial to the team's long-term success, so the front office's quick dismissal of the trade rumors helps provide stability and clarity for the player and the organization.

The details

Earlier this season, there were rumors that the Hawks might consider trading Johnson to the Bucks for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Rich Paul, the agent for both Johnson and Antetokounmpo, even suggested on his show that the Bucks should pursue the deal. However, Johnson says he was quickly reassured by the Hawks' front office that a trade was not in the works. Johnson, who is having an All-Star caliber season, said it was the first time in his career he had heard such trade speculation, but he was grateful for the Hawks' commitment to keeping him.

  • The trade rumors surfaced earlier this NBA season.

The players

Jalen Johnson

A rising star forward for the Atlanta Hawks who is having an All-Star caliber season, averaging 23.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game.

Rich Paul

The agent for both Jalen Johnson and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who publicly suggested the Milwaukee Bucks should trade for Johnson.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The superstar forward for the Milwaukee Bucks who was rumored to be involved in a potential trade for Jalen Johnson.

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What they’re saying

“That was probably the first time in my career [hearing] the rumors and stuff like that. But I got reassurance from everyone around here that that's not the plan. Obviously, it means a lot … the trust they have in me and the belief they have in me.”

— Jalen Johnson, Atlanta Hawks Forward (ClutchPoints)

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

— Rich Paul, NBA Agent (ClutchPoints)

What’s next

The Hawks will continue their push for a high playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, with Jalen Johnson as a key part of their core.

The takeaway

The Hawks' quick dismissal of trade rumors involving Jalen Johnson shows their commitment to building around the young star, who has emerged as a potential All-NBA player this season. This stability will be crucial as the Hawks aim to contend in the Eastern Conference.