Bucks could try and acquire OKC's Chris Paul after loss to Miami Heat in playoffs

On Tuesday (Wednesday IST), Milwaukee Bucks fell 4-1 to Miami Heat during Eastern Conference semifinals. Though Bucks mand to avoid a 4-0 sweep, . 1 seed in league failed to make a comeback with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined with an ankle injury. Amid multiple Giannis trade rumours, recent reports hinted at a possible Chris Paul to Bucks deal. 

Also read | NBA trade rumours: Giannis Antetokounmpo might move to Miami Heat if Bucks lose playoffs

NBA trade rumours: Could Milwaukee Bucks try to acquire Chris Paul?

According to  New York Times' Marc Stein, rival teams believe that Bucks will try to acquire Chris Paul after ir 4-1 loss to Heat. However, Stein did mention that re might be several financial complications even if Oklahoma City Thunder make Paul available for trade. Thunder opted against handing Dovan a new contract and with contract expiring at end of season, Oklahoma and Dovan have parted ways after five seasons. franchise could, refore, enter a rebuild in offseason. With Giannis entering free ncy next year, Bucks will enter a crucial offseason mselves. Though reigning NBA MVP is Bucks' key player, y are yet to win an NBA title toger. 

Also read | LeBron, Rondo spark Lakers to 112-102 victory over Rockets: NBA playoffs

Chris Paul trade rumours follow multiple rumours surrounding Giannis' free ncy. As per previous reports, Giannis could trade to Heat. Athletic's Sam Amick reported that Giannis is apparently done playing for a "regular-season-only kind of team". Amick's report also highlighted that Giannis trade would be on table if Bucks lost to Heat. In an earlier interview in March, Giannis had stated that he would continue playing with Bucks if y keep winning.

Throughout year, reports have also focused on Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers wanting to acquire Giannis. However, Heat have reportedly been keeping an eye on Giannis for years and have been managing ir cap accordingly. A general manr reportedly told Heavy that team wants to make a "good pitch" for Giannis and are planning in accordance. "y want to be able to make that good pitch, with Jimmy Butler and Spo (coach Erik Spoelstra) and Pat Riley, that's important to m. And it starts with Giannis." However, in a recent interview with Yahoo Sports, Giannis dismissed all trade rumours, stating that he would try harder to win with Bucks. 

Also read | Butler, Heat finish upset of Giannis-less Bucks in Game 5 of Heat vs Bucks series: NBA playoffs

Can Bucks afford a Chris Paul trade with Giannis Antetokounmpo still on roster?

As per Forbes, Chris Paul will make $41.35 million for 2020-21 season, which precedes a $44.21 million player option for 2021-22. While reports state that adding Paul might help Bucks keep Greek Freak in Milwaukee, team might t be able to afford his contract. Robin Lopez and Wesley Matws have player options, while Kyle Korver, Pat Connaughton and Sterling Brown will be unrestricted free nts. George Hill has two years left, while Brook Lopez and Eric Bledsoe have three years.

With Paul being one of best clutch-time players in league, Bucks could use him to aid Giannis, especially during postseason. This leaves Khris Middleton as a trade option, who is signed to a $178 million five-year deal with Bucks. For a Paul trade, Bucks might need to trade Middleton, along with Brook Lopez or Bledsoe (plus a future draft pick, if need arises).

Also read | Heat reach East finals, top Bucks to win Heat vs Bucks series 4-1: NBA playoffs

This season, Chris Paul missed only two NBA games and made it to NBA All-Star game for first time since 2015-2016 season. He also averd 17.6 points and 6.7 assists per game while shooting 48.9% from field. Giannis, on or hand, led Bucks to .1 seed in NBA while averaging 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds and 5.6 assists. t only did Greek star win Defensive Player of Year award, but he could also win  NBA MVP award for regular season. 

(Im credits: AP)