NBA Rumors: Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Hawks, Jalen Johnson, Lakers

Bucks

Very little has shifted on the Giannis Antetokounmpo front, at least publicly.

Marc Stein of the Stein Line reports that teams around the league are still waiting for any indication Milwaukee is open to moving its franchise star. None has come. Even after a 45-point loss to Brooklyn on Sunday, the Bucks have yet to signal a change in direction.

In fact, there is growing belief in league circles that Milwaukee may look to reinforce the roster around Antetokounmpo rather than entertain a teardown. That approach would be consistent with the organization’s stance so far, even as speculation continues externally.

If Antetokounmpo were ever to become available, the list of potential suitors may already be shrinking. Stein reports that the Spurs, Rockets and Thunder are all expected to remove themselves from any bidding scenario involving the two-time MVP.

Hawks

Any significant trade deadline maneuvering by Atlanta is expected to run through Kristaps Porzingis’ $30.7 million expiring contract, Stein reports.

However, the recent announcement that Porzingis will miss at least two weeks due to an illness complicates matters, particularly given the lingering health issues that followed him into last season’s playoffs.

One name that is not expected to surface in talks is Jalen Johnson. Stein notes that Johnson has been central to Atlanta’s competitiveness, while Trae Young has been limited to just five games due to a knee injury.

Johnson recorded his fourth straight triple-double Sunday, tying Nikola Jokic for the longest such streak this season. In games without Young, the Hawks are 12-9, with Johnson averaging 23.8 points, 11.2 rebounds and 8.8 assists.

Lakers

The Lakers’ NBA Cup loss to the Spurs reinforced a familiar issue.

Stein writes that the defeat showed Los Angeles’ need for perimeter on-ball defenders, a concern coach JJ Redick openly acknowledged afterward.

“Being able to contain the basketball is probably the most difficult thing for our team right now,” Redick said.

According to Stein, the Lakers are expected to prioritize three-and-D players at the trade deadline, though the available pool is limited beyond names such as Kings guard Keon Ellis.

Age will matter, too. Los Angeles prefers additions who align with the timelines of Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, both in their mid-to-late twenties.

For now, the needs are clear. Finding the right match may be harder.