{"id":182076,"date":"2026-03-18T13:47:20","date_gmt":"2026-03-18T17:47:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=182076"},"modified":"2026-03-18T13:47:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T17:47:20","slug":"jalen-johnson-mvp-potential","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/03\/18\/jalen-johnson-mvp-potential\/","title":{"rendered":"Jalen Johnson’s MVP Potential: Why The Hawks Won\u2019t Trade Him"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Jalen Johnson<\/a> MVP potential discussion has quietly become one of the most important internal beliefs shaping the Atlanta Hawks\u2019 long term direction.<\/p>\n

That belief is not just speculation. According to senior NBA insider Jake Fischer<\/span><\/span>, the Hawks internally view Johnson as having MVP level upside<\/a>. In his latest reporting, Fischer highlighted Atlanta\u2019s reluctance to include Johnson in major trade discussions, reinforcing just how highly the organization values its rising forward.<\/p>\n

Jalen Johnson’s MVP Potential: Why The Hawks Won\u2019t Trade Him<\/h2>\n

While outside conversations often focus on established superstars and blockbuster trades, Atlanta\u2019s front office appears firmly committed to its young core. That commitment became especially clear when speculation surfaced about potential deals involving elite talent. Despite the appeal of proven MVP-level players, the Hawks showed little willingness to move Johnson.<\/p>\n

That decision speaks volumes.<\/p>\n

For a franchise balancing present competitiveness with future upside, identifying a true cornerstone is critical. The Hawks believe they may already have one in Johnson.<\/p>\n

His development over the past season has elevated both his role and expectations. Johnson impacts the game across multiple areas, including scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, as well as defensive versatility. That type of production often serves as the foundation for MVP level players.<\/p>\n

More importantly, his trajectory suggests there is still another level to reach.<\/p>\n

Johnson\u2019s combination of size, athleticism, and ball handling gives him a unique profile. He can push in transition, finish through contact, and create for others in half court sets. As his decision making improves, the gap between high level contributor and true star continues to shrink.<\/p>\n

For Atlanta, that progression is not theoretical. It is something they are actively projecting.<\/p>\n

<\/smartframe-embed><\/p><\/p>\n

Why Atlanta Sees Jalen Johnson as a Franchise Cornerstone<\/h3>\n

The outlook of Johnson’s MVP potential becomes even more significant when placed in the context of roster building. Teams rarely pass on opportunities to acquire proven superstars. However, Atlanta\u2019s hesitation to include Johnson in discussions involving players like Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/span><\/a>\u00a0underscores a deeper level of confidence.<\/p>\n

Atlanta is not just valuing Johnson as a promising young player. They are viewing him as a potential franchise centerpiece<\/a>.<\/p>\n

That distinction matters. A promising player can be moved for the right return. A player viewed through an MVP lens becomes far more difficult to replace.<\/p>\n

Johnson\u2019s impact extends beyond the box score. Defensively, he can guard multiple positions, giving Atlanta flexibility. Offensively, his willingness to facilitate creates a more dynamic system. Those traits often define players who elevate teams rather than simply contribute within them.<\/p>\n

Additionally, his growth timeline aligns with the Hawks\u2019 long term vision. As the roster evolves, having a player with Johnson’s star upside provides both stability and direction.<\/p>\n

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Jalen Johnson this season:<\/p>\n

\u2014 23.0 PPG
\u2014 10.4 RPG
\u2014 8.1 APG
\u2014 1.3 SPG
\u2014 Second most triple-doubles in NBA
\u2014 Most triple-doubles in a season by a Hawk<\/p>\n

Leading the Hawks in PTS, REB and AST. pic.twitter.com\/T0tj9ZK9qO<\/a><\/p>\n

— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n