It’s no secret that Giannis Antetokounmpo has built a legendary résumé with the Milwaukee Bucks — two MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and a historic championship run in 2021 that snapped a 50-year title drought. This season, Giannis was as dominant as ever, averaging 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists, finishing third in the MVP race.
So why would he leave?
To be clear, there’s been no formal request from Giannis to move on. In fact, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that those around the Bucks say Giannis has remained entirely focused on maximizing Milwaukee’s potential this season. However, Windhorst also admitted that league insiders are closely watching the situation, even if Giannis hasn’t personally voiced discontent.
There’s a reason for that. Milwaukee’s future outlook isn’t rosy. The Bucks own just one of their future first-round picks (2031) and lack young, emerging talent. Their core is aging, depth is shallow, and recent moves — like acquiring Kyle Kuzma — haven’t yielded impact. As they trail the Indiana Pacers 2-0 in their playoff series, despite strong showings from Giannis, pressure is mounting for him to pursue another championship before his prime fades. He turns 30 this year.
That leads us to a hypothetical scenario: a three-team blockbuster deal that lands Giannis in Atlanta, helps Milwaukee restock their future, and brings in Utah as a facilitator for salary-matching.
Proposed Trade Framework:
Atlanta Hawks receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Svi Mykhailiuk, A.J. Green
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Jalen Johnson, Collin Sexton, Kobe Bufkin, 2027 1st-round pick (via ATL, least favorable of MIL/NOP), 2029 1st-round pick (via ATL), 2030 1st-round swap (MIL swap rights), 2031 1st-round pick (via ATL, top-10 protected)
Utah Jazz receive: Terance Mann, 2025 2nd-round pick (via MIL from DET), 2026 2nd-round pick (via MIL from UTA), 2031 2nd-round pick (via MIL)
Why Atlanta Might Do This:
Pairing Giannis with Trae Young would instantly give the Hawks one of the league’s most dangerous pick-and-roll duos. A projected starting five of Young, Dyson Daniels, Giannis, Zaccharie Risacher, and Onyeka Okongwu combines elite talent with long-term upside. The Hawks have been stuck in mediocrity for years — this move could catapult them into title contention. And importantly, they’d still retain their 2025 and 2026 picks for future development.
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Jalen Johnson’s departure would sting, but his injury history raises concern. Giannis is a generational player worth gambling on, especially when you can surround him with complementary pieces.
Why Atlanta Might Hesitate:
The cost is steep, and there’s no guarantee Giannis would commit long-term. Johnson still has significant upside, and dealing multiple picks limits future flexibility. Giannis’s age (30) and physical playstyle could also raise long-term durability questions.
Why Milwaukee Might Do This:
If Giannis forces their hand, this package gives the Bucks a path forward. Jalen Johnson could be their future star if he stays healthy, while Sexton and Bufkin provide backcourt depth and upside. The multiple first-rounders would help replenish Milwaukee’s drained draft chest. Importantly, they remain competitive around Damian Lillard for the short term while rebuilding their longer-term foundation.
Why Milwaukee Might Not:
There’s substantial injury risk with both Johnson and Bufkin, which could derail the entire return. Also, since the Bucks wouldn’t have access to meaningful picks until 2027, the immediate benefits are limited. This deal essentially recovers what the Bucks lost — not a surplus — and that could be a hard pill to swallow if Giannis goes on to win elsewhere.
Why Utah Might Do This:
For Utah, it’s a smart way to acquire additional assets. Terance Mann provides rotation-level depth, and the trio of second-round picks gives them flexibility in future drafts. Plus, absorbing salary helps them hit the cap floor without long-term risk.
