Milwaukee Bucks: Chris Paul trade reportedly unlikely, but why?
By Dalton Sell
Chris Paul seemed atop the Milwaukee Bucks’ list of trade targets this offseason, but new reports indicate that is not the case.
Immediately following their second-round defeat to the Miami Heat, all eyes turned to the Milwaukee Bucks‘ offseason plans. With a roster revamping in order, one of the most apparent targets appeared to be point guard Chris Paul.
The 10-time All-Star spent this last season rejuvenating his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, but with the team seemingly in line for a rebuild, he is likely to be among the first to go.
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With the point guard position being the most desirable for the Bucks to upgrade, given Eric Bledsoe’s track record, Paul seemed to be a perfect fit. However, despite recent speculation, The Athletic’s Sam Amick and Eric Nehm ($$) reported early Wednesday morning that Chris Paul to Milwaukee is unlikely.
Typically, a team staying away from trading for a 35-year-old point guard with an injury history and $85 million on the books for the next two seasons would not be newsworthy. However, given what is at stake as the Bucks enter the 2020-21 season, better known as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s last season under contract, this is a head-scratcher.
The article’s mention of cost is especially puzzling after Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry confirmed just days ago his willingness to spend into the luxury tax to build a championship-caliber roster. In a potential do-or-die situation entering next season, this update could be worrisome.
Milwaukee is well aware that they need to undergo some roster construction before next season if they plan on keeping the likely back-to-back MVP around for the foreseeable future, and Paul seemed to be the ideal candidate to pair with him. A surefire future Hall of Famer that proved all season long that he could be a stellar leader and still play at the highest level could do wonders for Milwaukee, including giving Giannis his best on-court teammate yet.
As for a potential personality clash between Antetokounmpo and Paul, that is just foolish. Paul’s veteran presence on the court and in the locker room is something that almost every team in the league would like to get their hands on, especially a Milwaukee team that desperately needs to prove to their star player that they can surround him with talent.
If Paul is not atop their list of potential targets to bolster their roster, who could be? Are the Bucks going to sit around with their fingers crossed, hoping that someone like Jrue Holiday, Bradley Beal, or Buddy Hield suddenly become available for trade? Given the urgency surrounding this franchise, doing so seems like a disaster in the making.
Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer reported that if the Bucks do not land Paul, they will realistically be looking along the lines of players such as Dennis Schröder, Derrick Rose, or Patty Mills. Sure, all of those pieces would be much more affordable, but could they genuinely turn the tide as a Chris Paul trade might? Likely not.
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It will undoubtedly continue to be a nerve-wracking offseason for the Milwaukee Bucks, and this Chris Paul news only adds fuel to the ever growing fire.