The Milwaukee Bucks are attempting to do everything they can to make sure Giannis Antetokounmpo remains with them, which has prompted them to be mentioned in trade rumors involving Chris Paul and Victor Oladipo. Despite the rumors surrounding both trade candidates, Milwaukee hasn't had substantive talks about a trade for either player, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe.
The Bucks are still confident that Giannis is going to sign the five-year supermax extension that he's eligible for before the 2020-2021 NBA season begins. Even if he doesn't sign, Milwaukee believes they're still the clear-cut favorites to sign him next offseason.
While the team waits for Antetokounmpo to make a decision, they want to surround him with more talent. Both Paul and Oladipo have been discussed as players who could be traded this offseason.
However, a trade for Paul or Oladipo would be tough for the Bucks to maneuver. A trade for either Paul or Oladipo would likely involve Eric Bledsoe. In recent seasons, Bledsoe's trade value has declined thanks to his poor performance in the playoffs, making it harder to convince a team to take his contract.
As of now, Lowe reports that the Bucks haven't spoken much about making a move for either Paul or Oladipo. Paul would provide them a much-needed veteran leader who can alleviate some of the offensive pressure off Giannis.
On the other hand, Oladipo's mediocre return from a devastating knee injury has some suitors in wait-and-see mode. But if Milwaukee — or another team — were to acquire Oladipo and he's anything close to his All-NBA form from two seasons ago, they'd get him for a bargain.
Seeing how they were eliminated from the playoffs in 2019-2020, the Bucks need to improve their roster. Even though Milwaukee could be involved in the trade market, no signs point toward them — at least at the moment — making a big move for either Paul or Oladipo.
Of course, this could all change in the coming weeks.
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