Unlikely force potentially attempting to drive Giannis out of Milwaukee

Rival general managers have to put in a call to Giannis Antetokounmpo's agent, Alex Saratsis, if they're interested in trading for the two-time MVP. Rich Paul would prefer those calls go through to him. The prominent Klutch Sports agent, who represents many players around the league, is reportedly attempting to convince Giannis to drop Saratsis and become Paul's next client. His pitch is simple: I can get you wherever you want to go.

That's what TrueHoop's Henry Abbott wrote Monday in a seemingly well-sourced piece of reporting. 

"Rich, it seems clear, would like to represent Giannis, and (despite what’s happening with Anthony Davis in Dallas) is said to have been making the case that he’s the guy who can get a star player where he wants to go."

The obvious implication is that Giannis is currently stuck in Milwaukee against his will. Paul, who represents Davis, claims he can change all that. Add his name to the ever-growing list of villains Bucks fans have to hear about as it relates to Giannis' future in Milwaukee.

Getting Rich Paul involved is the last thing the Bucks need

Paul is not just seizing on the uncertain crossroads confronting Giannis and the Bucks. According to Abbott, his pitch is fueled by something else: an earlier story that Giannis nearly fired Saratsis for failing to negotiate a trade. 

If that's true, there could be room for another agent to butt in and take on the lucrative client that Giannis undoubtedly is. Paul wants to be that guy.

Could he follow through on his promise? It's not working in Dallas, where Davis is stuck, injured, as the face of the vilified Luka Doncic trade. Would Paul have better luck getting Giannis off the Bucks? Giannis lacks the same age or availability baggage; even his latest calf strain reportedlyhas not done much to deter suitors. If leaving Milwaukee is what he actually wants, perhaps Paul could punch his ticket.

The waters are murky when it comes to agent-instigated drama, Abbott cautions. There are too many conflicting interests. It's hard to know how much smoke there actually is around the Saratsis anecdote. Different sources have different opinions.

If those who believe the tension is real are right, meaning that Paul actually could steal away Giannis, fans are likely in for yet another layer of drama to a saga that never ends. A change of agents need not even happen to stoke the narrative that the face of the Bucks' franchise is desperate for a way out that won't force him to become the bad guy. 

On the other hand, if there's real fire where the smoke was, the Bucks could have to contend with a new, entirely unexpected antagonist. 

Paul has a habit of making headlines. Maybe this is more empty talk, though it's hard to imagine he wouldn't actually make an earnest attempt to lure Giannis if he thought an opportunity existed. With a client of his caliber, the payout is too much to resist. Rich Paul drama is the last addition a weary fanbase needs to an already exhausting process.

Hopefully, for their sake, Paul is just lobbing shots in the dark.