ESPN lists the Hawks as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s top trade partner

Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors are hot in the NBA right now, with Milwaukee Bucks owning a 10-13 record through the first quarter of the 2025-26 season. There is a lot of speculation surrounding a potential move by the organization before the Feb. 5 deadline. As the buzz grows louder by the day, ESPN seems to believe it Atlanta Hawks are the best team to possibly land Antetokounmpo.

In an ESPN article in which several NBA Insiders shared speculative trade offers from numerous teams around the league, Bobby Marks claims the Hawks could offer the Bucks best offer. The trade suggested by ESPN’s Kevin Pelton is for Atlanta to give up Trae Young and Zachary Rizacher, along with four first-round picks ranging from 2026 to 2031 or 2032.

Marks believes that deal would be the most beneficial for the Bucks because not only would they be trading a 30-year-old forward at a premium, but what Milwaukee is getting in return is star power and a future draft pick that will help them rejuvenate over six to seven years while remaining competitive in the Eastern Conference.

“The thinking in Milwaukee should be how do you get two bites of the apple: players with controllable contracts who can help now and “First-round picks to rebuild the draft,” Marks explained. “There’s no incentive for the Bucks to go into a full rebuild. So what Atlanta could offer — Young, Rizacher and four first-rounders — would be too much to pass up.

“The Hawks’ deal has huge appeal because the Pelicans’ first-round pick in June could easily end up at No. 1. Combined with theirs, the Bucks would likely have two first-rounders in the lottery. The Bucks would also get three additional first-rounders in the coming years.”

Nothing is set in stone yet, but it could be a compelling deal that Milwaukee could say no to. However, despite the rumours, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers claims that Giannis Antetokounmpo has not requested a trade, despite reports from ESPN’s Shams Charania.

We’ll have to wait and see how that plays out. Until then, the Bucks will focus on their next game, which is Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers.