Hawks calm Jalen Johnson amid Giannis talk
Atlanta reportedly reassured forward Jalen Johnson that he remains part of the team after swirling trade rumors tied to Giannis Antetokounmpo, a sign teams are managing locker‑room optics post‑deadline report. - In New York, Mitchell Robinson logged a career‑best rebound outing that analysts say could boost his trade value down the line report.
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul publicly pitched Jalen Johnson as the centerpiece for a hypothetical Giannis deal in December 2025 on the "Game Over" podcast. sports.yahoo.com The Hawks locked Johnson into a five‑year, $150 million extension that was reported Oct. 21, 2024, with the new deal set to begin in the 2025‑26 season. espn.com Johnson earned his first NBA All‑Star nod as a reserve for the 2026 game and entered the season averaging career‑best numbers — roughly 23.1 points, 10.5 rebounds and 8.0 assists at the time of selection. nba.com NBA insiders have characterized Atlanta’s willingness to include Johnson in any Giannis proposal as a “complete non‑starter,” a stance relayed by Jake Fischer and reported by national outlets. bleacherreport.com Atlanta also controls a Bucks‑linked 2026 first‑round asset that would make them a logical trade partner for Milwaukee, a leverage point analysts noted even as the team privately prioritized protecting its young core. lastwordonsports.com Because Johnson’s extension is a fully guaranteed, five‑year pact beginning 2025‑26, any trade would move a $150 million contractual commitment—an expensive proposition that factors into Atlanta’s reported reluctance to include him in blockbuster discussions. espn.com
