Atlanta Hawks Refuse To Trade Jalen Johnson For Giannis

Merlin sees Atlanta draw a firm line: the Hawks are unwilling to include rising star Jalen Johnson in any package for Giannis Antetokounmpo, calling the idea a "non-starter" and reportedly having "always viewed the notion" that way. That stance reshapes the trade landscape because Johnson has become Atlanta’s clear centerpiece, so moving him would swap long-term upside for a short window of contention. Johnson’s surge to All-Star status and career highs — roughly 22.9 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.0 assists — makes him priceless to the Hawks, while Giannis, at 31, remains a generational talent who could speed a title run. Merlin senses Atlanta weighing a rare choice: chase now with an aging superstar or protect a budding franchise star. The decision will echo across both rosters.