The Atlanta Hawks are one of the hottest teams in the league as they are riding a nine-game losing streak, their longest since the 2014-2015 season. It seems like everyone on the team is clicking at the right time, and Jalen Johnson has been the head of the snake, doing almost everything on the court.
At the beginning of the season, there were rumors about the Hawks whether they would consider Johnson for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they were quickly shut down. Rich Paul also weighed in on the rumors and suggested that the Milwaukee Bucks should trade for Johnson.
"If I'm the Bucks, I'm looking at a young player, high character, high talent, high IQ," Paul said on his show with Max Kellerman. "I'm calling Atlanta. I want Jalen Johnson. He's from Milwaukee."
Johnson claims he heard the rumors, but according to NBA insider Jake Fisher, the Hawks' front office immediately reminded him that they were not going to trade him.
“It was probably the first time in my career [hearing] Rumors and things like that," Johnson said. "But I got assurances from everyone here that that's not the plan. Obviously, it means a lot… his trust in me and his belief in me.”
It seems like the Hawks did the right thing by retaining Johnson, and he's set to be a cornerstone of the franchise for years to come. This season, Johnson averaged 23.0 points, 10.4 rebounds and 8.0 assists, and was an All-Star for the first time. It would not be a surprise if at the end of the season, he is on the All-NBA team, which would be a huge accomplishment for him.
Johnson and the Hawks still have a lot of work to accomplish as they continue to try to top the Eastern Conference during the season.
