3 – Paul George, LA Clippers
This is quite clearly the biggest longshot of all the trade targets. However, it is not impossible for the Bucks to complete. LA Clippers wing Paul George was one of the names we picked out in a potential Jrue Holiday trade, and along with other assets to line contracts up, it could happen.
Now, George did only play for one season with Griffin as an assistant with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017-18. This may not be the strongest of ties, with Griffin going off to Toronto the following season and PG only staying in OKC for the following season before going to California.
He is still one of the best two-way players in the league, even at 33 years old, but he would be an exceptional player to have in order to stop the wings like Jimmy Butler and Jayson Tatum that the Bucks have struggled to defend against in recent seasons. Offensively, he can do it all and would be a great addition alongside Giannis if he stays healthy, which has been the question constantly asked of Paul George during his time in Los Angeles.
George’s contract being a player option for $48m is yet another thing to navigate, but the opportunity for the Bucks is there if they are willing to move Holiday or Middleton. Likewise, the Clippers will be frustrated that they have not got the best out of having George and Kawhi Leonard together and may feel they need a fresh start, and the players may need one as well.
There are many notable players that have links to Adrian Griffin from his time in Toronto, OKC, Orlando, and Chicago. It will be interesting to see if the Bucks go after players that have worked with Griffin as an assistant.
Make sure to stay tuned and see what moves the Milwaukee Bucks make going forward.