One Player is Completely Off-Limits in any Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade

There will be a number of teams chasing a Giannis Antetokounmpo trade this summer. And some big names will be thrown around as a way to get the Milwaukee Bucks to bite (and Giannis to agree).

But we can scratch one player off any list of names that the Bucks might hope to land in return. The Atlanta Hawks' Jalen Johnson is completely off-limits.

The Atlanta Hawks view Jalen Johnson as "off-limits" in any potential trade talks for Giannis Antetokounmpo, per @JakeLFischer

Atlanta reportedly believes Johnson has "MVP potential" and has no interest in moving the 24-year-old, even for the Greek Freak. pic.twitter.com/Fow4QHjgRH
— NBA Base (@TheNBABase) March 14, 2026

Jake Fischer writes that the Hawks, believing Johnson has MVP potential, will not be moving their budding superstar—even for a two-time MVP in Giannis. And Johnson was happy to hear it.

“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.”

And why wouldn't they? Johnson, 24, became an All-Star this year, and has exploded as a triple-double threat, averaging 23 points per game, 8.0 assists and 10.4 rebounds. It's the third season in a row that he's improved in each of those categories.

He recorded his team record 12th triple-double of the 2025-26 season on Saturday, ironically against the Milwaukee Bucks, with 23 points, 12 assists, and 10 boards.

Acquiring Giannis but having to give up Johnson would make no sense, and the Hawks just won't go there.