The Milwaukee Bucks have been linked to Chris Paul plenty this offseason and it reportedly stems from the bond that Paul and Giannis Antetokounmpo struck up in the bubble.
One of the most dominating storylines this offseason for the Milwaukee Bucks has been the rumors surrounding the organization and veteran guard Chris Paul.
Even after reports surfaced that the Bucks aren’t expected to pursue such a move for the future Hall of Famer, that still hasn’t stopped speculation as to whether the Bucks should go after someone of Paul’s stature, who will surely be in some demand this offseason.
More from Bucks Rumors
- Bucks’ Thanasis Antetokounmpo reveals he nearly joined a different team
- NBA Rumors: Bucks eyeing young combo guard with one roster spot left
- NBA Rumors: Bucks attended a workout for former first round draft pick
- NBA Free Agency Rumors: Milwaukee Bucks targeting sharpshooting wing
- Important Milwaukee Bucks’ rumors on day 2 of 2023 NBA Free Agency
Beyond the fit and need part of the equation being clear as day, some may be curious as to how such speculation and rumors all generated in light of the Bucks’ 2019-20 season ending down in the bubble.
As Chris Sheridan of BasketballNews.com recently delved into the Bucks’ challenges this offseason, the origins of the Paul speculation reportedly stem from the bond that Antetokounmpo and Paul developed down in the bubble and especially after the Bucks’ Game 5 boycott:
"“Giannis and Paul became close in the NBA bubble (particularly during the Bucks’ boycott), which is where this chatter originated.”"
While those within the Bucks organization have gone to great lengths to quiet down any Paul chatter, this added layer that the rumors of Paul potentially moving to Milwaukee have derived from his and Antetokounmpo’s bond had not yet been reported on. That gives an interesting wrinkle to this Bucks offseason that won’t be short on rumors of any variety.
After all, of the many details that emerged from Antetokounmpo’s reported meeting with Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry that occurred after the end of the Bucks’ season and before he departed for Greece, some revolved around upgrading the team’s roster.
Again, it’s far too early to determine what those upgrades will look like and how the Bucks will operate in light of yet another disappointing playoff finish, but Antetokounmpo’s input will have an even greater weight in any moves they make this winter. That clearly all stems from the uncertainty surrounding his future and the fact that he will receive his supermax extension once free agency opens.
It’s not as if the Bucks’ past moves weren’t made with Antetokounmpo in mind, but the fact that Antetokounmpo’s influence and voice may trickle into what personnel moves they make this offseason does alter how the team will operate moving forward. Could bringing in Antetokounmpo’s views on reloading the team’s roster eventually create some sort of tension as it specifically relates to pursuing Paul?
That last part is only speculation, but the fact that Antetokounmpo and Paul have reportedly developed a relationship certainly was observed by other teams around the league, creating this cycle of speculation as a result.