The Atlanta Hawks have the ultimate draft asset that the Milwaukee Bucks cannot ignore in Giannis Antetokounmpo trade talks: control over their own destiny.
The Hawks currently hold swap rights on Milwaukee’s next two draft picks, receiving the more favorable between MIL and NOP in 2026 and the less favorable in 2027. Coming into the season, it was almost a guarantee that New Orleans would have the more favorable pick for 2026.
With Giannis potentially gone, however, the Bucks will quickly collapse to the depths of the NBA, challenging the Pelicans, Pacers, Nets, and Wizards for the coveted top lottery seed in a stacked draft class.