Milwaukee Bucks Rumors: Where things stand with popular trade candidates

Milwaukee Bucks Rumors: Where things stand with popular trade candidates – Chris Paul

Not long after the end of the Bucks’ 2019-20 season is when the links between the Bucks and future Hall of Fame guard Chris Paul started to percolate.

The New York Times’ Marc Stein was the first to report on the belief that rival executives have had in the Bucks pursuing the Oklahoma City Thunder guard this offseason. Ever since that report, though, there has been plenty of push back from the Bucks’ organization on their willingness to explore a deal for the 35-year-old.

Again, through Lowe, that push back has been so strong that no traction is believed to have occurred between the Bucks and the Thunder at this stage:

"“There has been no traction so far — and maybe not even any talks — on any deal sending Chris Paul from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Bucks, multiple sources say.”"

Much like Bogdanovic and Oladipo, the Bucks potentially chasing Paul comes with its own set of unique challenges. Chief among them is trying to accumulate the salary to come close to matching the $41.3 million Paul is owed next year (Paul owns a $44.2 player option for the 2021-22 season under his current contract as well).

In a straight up deal, adding Paul would require the Bucks to gut their roster down to the bone and even then, the Thunder hold the cards in whether they want to take long-term salary in the case of Bledsoe. Not even to mention the limited draft assets the Bucks have at their disposal.

For all of those significant issues, Paul might be the best trade option that address the playmaking and shot creation needs that became so glaring in the Bucks’ playoff run this year especially. Yes, Paul’s personality clashes have followed him throughout his career, but his growing relationship with Antetokounmpo is seen as a source for why all of this trade speculation began in the first place.

Clearly, the Bucks aren’t short on trade options this offseason as we inch closer to this offseason’s festivities, whenever they’re set to begin. As always, we’ll have you covered with the latest speculation and potential action that centers around the Bucks in the coming weeks.