Rich Paul stirred renewed debate over Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future this week, detailing what he sees as a fair return for the Bucks. His recent appearance on the Game Over Podcast with Max Kellerman kept Antetokounmpo at the center of headlines as uncertainty persists around the Milwaukee franchise.
“With Giannis, it doesn’t have to be a star because you’re not getting a star back. You’re not getting Luka, you’re not getting Jokic, you’re not getting Shai,” said the Kultch Sports Group CEO. “If I’m the Bucks, I’m looking at a young player, high character, high talent, high IQ. I’m calling Atlanta. I want Jalen Johnson. He’s from Milwaukee.”
Rich Paul’s recent comments stirred immediate debate, especially after he referenced Atlanta, adding fresh perspective to discussions around realistic trade scenarios for Giannis Antetokounmpo. As teams prepare proposals for a potential Giannis sweepstakes, Paul’s insights have intensified questions about how the Bucks should approach their future if they reach a pivotal decision point.
Should the Hawks put Jalen Johnson in a package for Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Dec 4, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) square off in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
The Bucks seem to be in control of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s timeline, clearly preferring to keep their star. Yet the team’s ongoing struggles have fueled tension and cast doubt on long-term stability, leading many around the league to view a trade as an increasingly realistic possibility.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future still up in the air, teams are lining up their most compelling trade proposals. Milwaukee anticipates offers centered on multiple players and draft picks, though few teams have the resources to participate. Rich Paul sees the Atlanta Hawks as one team capable of mounting a serious bid.
Dec 14, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) shoots against Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) during the first half in a semifinal of the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Rather than building a trade around Trae Young or Kristaps Porzingis, Rich Paul suggested that Atlanta could retain Young and still assemble an attractive offer by making Jalen Johnson the centerpiece. He emphasized Johnson’s youth, skill set, and character as the qualities that the Bucks should value most.
Johnson’s production underscores why he has become a name to watch across the league. In 22 games this season, he is averaging 23.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, 7.9 assists, 1.6 steals, and 0.4 blocks while shooting 53.4 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from three. His performance has driven Atlanta’s 14-11 start and already positions him as a potential superstar at only 22 years old.