Remember when the New Orleans Pelicans sent the Hawks a 2026 unprotected first-round pick to trade up in the 2025 draft for Derik Queen? Of course you do. No one could believe it happened, not even the Hawks, who still drafted the player they wanted at No. 23. Speaking of Atlanta and that unprotected pick, it could help the Hawks land none other than Giannis Antetokounmpo.
On Wednesday, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Giannis and his agent are "having conversations" with Milwaukee about the superstar's future. Those discussions involve determining whether Giannis should stay with the Bucks or if he'd be better off elsewhere. It shouldn't take long to decide that he indeed would be better off elsewhere.
Teams have already begun lining up to trade for Giannis, way before now. One of the teams that could be on his wishlist (if the Bucks decide to work with him in a deal) could be the Hawks. Atlanta will receive the more favorable outcome for the pick between New Orleans and Milwaukee. The Pelicans are currently 3-19, the worst record in the West, and the Bucks are 9-13, 11th in the East.
Either way, the Hawks will have a high pick in a stacked draft lottery class, and that's a pick that Milwaukee should want.
The Hawks could trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo
When the Hawks landed that pick, they knew it was a win-win situation. Everyone except the Pelicans knew that New Orleans wouldn't come close to being a playoff team, and Milwaukee's situation didn't look good, either. Atlanta's front office instantly looked forward to adding another talented young player to the roster or using the pick as a trade chip if a star hit the market.
You might be thinking that there's a slim chance Giannis will want to play in Atlanta. He does have leverage, as he'll be eligible to sign an extension next October. ESPN's Brian Windhorst said on NBA Today that Milwaukee will work with Giannis on where he wants to go and then try to get the best possible offer. That may not happen, though.
Other teams could outbid the Hawks, but you can't rule out Atlanta. You can bet that the Hawks are piecing together what they feel like would be a good offer for Giannis, if they haven't already. It's not every day that you have the chance to add a generational talent to your roster.
All New Orleans can do is sit back and watch the saga unfold, because there is absolutely no chance that Giannis will end up with the Pelicans, but they could help him get to his destination.