Hawks View 24-Year-Old Star as 'Off-Limits' in Giannis Trade Talks

Atlanta has no interest in moving Jalen Johnson, even for the Greek Freak, per reports.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 3:49am

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The Atlanta Hawks have reportedly made it clear that 24-year-old forward Jalen Johnson is completely 'off-limits' in any potential trade discussions involving Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. The Hawks view Johnson as a player with 'MVP-level potential' and have no intention of moving him, even for the chance to acquire the superstar Antetokounmpo.

Why it matters

Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the NBA's premier superstars, so any team would jump at the chance to acquire him. However, the Hawks appear to value Jalen Johnson's long-term potential so highly that they are unwilling to part with him, even in a blockbuster trade. This speaks to the organization's belief in Johnson as a future franchise cornerstone.

The details

According to reports, the Hawks have consistently told teams that the notion of trading Jalen Johnson for Giannis Antetokounmpo is a 'complete non-starter.' The 24-year-old Johnson is enjoying a breakout fifth season in Atlanta, recently surpassing Deni Avdija as the leading candidate for the NBA's Most Improved Player award. On Saturday against the Bucks, Johnson recorded his 12th triple-double of the season, further solidifying his importance to the Hawks' success.

  • On Saturday, March 14, 2026, the Hawks defeated the Bucks, marking their ninth consecutive win.
  • Jalen Johnson addressed the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors before Saturday's game against Milwaukee.

The players

Jalen Johnson

A 24-year-old forward for the Atlanta Hawks who is enjoying a breakout season and is considered by the team to have 'MVP-level potential.'

Giannis Antetokounmpo

The superstar forward for the Milwaukee Bucks who is one of the NBA's premier players and a highly coveted trade target for teams around the league.

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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, Hawks Forward

“League sources say that Atlanta has always viewed the notion of trading the 24-year-old Jalen Johnson for Antetokounmpo to be a complete non-starter.”

— Jake Fischer, Reporter

What’s next

The Hawks will continue to build around Jalen Johnson as they look to maintain their position as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

The takeaway

The Hawks' unwavering commitment to Jalen Johnson, even in the face of a potential trade for a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo, demonstrates the organization's belief in Johnson's long-term potential and their desire to build a championship contender around the 24-year-old forward.