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REPORT: ATL Hawks Emerge as Favorites for Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Soon
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- REPORT: ATL Hawks Emerge as Favorites for Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Soon
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
A new report suggests the Atlanta Hawks will be the favorites to complete a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo if the two-time MVP doesn't force a trade to a specific team.
There has been Antetokounmpo trade speculation for years. However, the rumors becoming a reality now seems to be as serious as ever. On Wednesday, it was revealed that the two-time NBA MVP and the Bucks are set to meet soon to "discuss" his future , with a decision expected in the next couple of weeks.
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It just seems improbable that they would agree to continue the status quo. Especially after the organization had introductory talks with the Knicks about a deal in the summer, and with the Bucks off to a 10-13 start this season. If the team did start taking offers on a trade, which teams would have the best chance to acquire the nine-time All-Star?
On Friday, ESPN looked to answer that question when it spoke to its insiders about which teams they feel would be in the chase for Antetokounmpo, and what they would need to give up in a deal. The New York Knicks , San Antonio Spurs , Houston Rockets , Golden State Warriors , and Atlanta Hawks were seen as the likely contenders in the sweepstakes.
New York has been linked to an Antetokounmpo trade for months. However, the insiders claimed they would have "no chance" if the "Bucks open trade talks with multiple teams." They believe that if Antetokounmpo doesn't force his way to a specific team, the organization must look for a deal that has "players on controllable contracts that can help now and first-round picks to rebuild draft selections."
Atlanta Hawks can make best Giannis Antetokounmpo trade offer?
Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
In that pursuit, the ESPN insiders claimed the Hawks can make an offer that "would be too much to pass up." Their projected trade package for Antetokounmpo would send out team great Trae Young , their top pick in 2024 Zaccharie Risacher , one of their first-round picks in 2026, and top four protected picks in 2027, 2029, and 2031.
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"The Hawks deal has tremendous appeal because the Pelicans ' first-round pick in June could easily end up at No. 1. Combined with their own, the Bucks would likely have two first-rounders in the lottery," ESPN wrote. "The Bucks would also get three additional firsts in future years."
A starting five featuring Antetokounmpo, Jalen Johnson , Dyson Daniels , and Nickeil Alexander-Walker could be a real problem in the Eastern Conference.
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