NBA Rumors: The player that the Atlanta Hawks will not trade, not even for Giannis Antetokounmpo

Next summer could be marked by rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo, as several teams are expected to try to negotiate with the Milwaukee Bucks to acquire the Greek star. However, one name that will not enter any conversation is Jalen Johnson, whom the Atlanta Hawks consider untouchable.

According to Jake Fischer, the Georgia franchise has no intention of moving their young star under any circumstances, not even in a hypothetical operation for Antetokounmpo, a two-time league MVP. Within the team, they believe that Johnson has the potential to reach that same level in the future, which has led the organization to completely close off any negotiations that involve him.

The player himself acknowledged hearing the rumors for the first time in his career but stated that the club reassured him and made it clear that he is not part of any exit plan. He also admitted that the trust the franchise has placed in him holds great meaning.

A season that confirms his growth

The Hawks' stance is explained by the performance of the 24-year-old forward this season, who has taken a definitive leap and was selected as an All-Star for the first time. Johnson has established himself as a constant triple-double threat, averaging 23 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game.

Furthermore, it is the third consecutive year in which he has improved his numbers in all those categories. Last Saturday, he recorded the twelfth triple-double of the season, a franchise record, precisely against Milwaukee, with a performance of 23 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds.

Although Antetokounmpo is one of the most dominant players in the NBA, Atlanta believes that parting ways with Johnson to try to bring him in would not make sense from a sports or project perspective. For this reason, despite the summer promising to be full of rumors surrounding the Bucks star, the Hawks do not consider negotiating with their young leader, whom they see as the central piece of their future.