Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors: Dark Horse NBA Team Predicted to Steal $175,369,698 Star From Heat, Celtics
· Yahoo Sports
The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics have been heavily linked to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in recent weeks. However, a deal has yet to materialize, leading analysts to believe a dark-horse playoff contender could emerge as the two-time MVP’s next landing spot.
How the Atlanta Hawks Could Trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
“Do the Hawks have enough to steal the two-time NBA MVP from competitors such as the Miami Heat or Boston Celtics?” national NBA writer Eric Pincus asked in a recent Bleacher Report article.
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He then laid out the details of the predicted deal:
Atlanta Hawks receive: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Andre Jackson Jr., $3 million trade exception
Milwaukee Bucks receive: Jonathan Kuminga, Zaccharie Risacher, Corey Kispert, Buddy Hield, Nos. 8 and 23, 2029 first-round pick, $2.4 million trade exception
“It’s not complicated. The Hawks add one of the NBA’s best players to a talented, hungry, young roster already capable of competing at a high level,” Pincus continued to make his case. “With Antetokounmpo, the Hawks level up in the East with early playoff hero CJ McCollum back short-term at about $20 million.”
As Pincus laid out in his trade proposal, the Hawks would have to include several rotational players to make the deal work contractually. Kuminga, Risacher, Kispert, and Hield are set to earn a combined $61.76 million next season.
Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo, who had signed a 3-year, $175,369,698 contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, will carry a $58.5 million cap hit for the 2026-27 campaign.
If they manage to acquire Antetokounmpo and retain McCollum, Atlanta would enter next season with one of the league’s most well-rounded and talented starting fives. McCollum and DPOY candidate Dyson Daniels are expected to handle the backcourt duties, while 2026 MIP Nickeil Alexander-Walker and All-NBA Third Team selection Jalen Johnson operate on the wings.
Antetokounmpo, who averaged 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists on 62.4% shooting from the field, would likely slide in at the center position. Although he has typically played forward for the Bucks, he is more than versatile and has shown a willingness to do so in the past.
Additionally, the Hawks still have Onyeka Okongwu under contract, allowing them to roll with different lineups night in and night out.
One of Antetokounmpo’s greatest strengths is the ability to dominate on both sides of the floor from any position. He is the exact type of star any playoff contender should target if they want to reach that next level.
Lastly, regarding Milwaukee, they would receive two valuable selections in this year’s draft, along with a 2029 first-round pick that remains largely unknown. If they are unable to reach a deal with either Miami or Boston, Atlanta’s proposal could truly help jump-start their rebuild.