Jalen Johnson Says Hawks Reassured Him Amid Giannis Trade Rumors

Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson said the organization made it clear he wasn’t going anywhere when trade rumors involving Giannis Antetokounmpo surfaced earlier this season.

“That was probably the first time in my career hearing the rumors and stuff like that,” Johnson said, via Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. “But I got reassurance from everyone around here that that’s not the plan.”

Johnson’s name came up in speculation after his agent, Rich Paul, suggested Milwaukee native Johnson as a potential centerpiece in a hypothetical Antetokounmpo trade during a podcast appearance in December.

Atlanta quickly shut down the idea.

According to Fischer, the Hawks view Johnson as a foundational player and have no interest in moving him in a deal for the Bucks superstar.

“Obviously it means a lot,” he said. “The trust they have in me and the belief they have in me.”