The Milwaukee Bucks have emerged as one of the teams reportedly interested in acquiring LA Clippers guard Chris Paul, who was recently sent home by the franchise, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. The Bucks appear to be exploring the move to bolster their roster with an additional primary playmaker.
The odds of Chris Paul landing in Milwaukee seem slim for a few key reasons. For one, the 40-year-old point guard is clearly in the twilight of his career, and it’s questionable how much he could really fix for the Bucks. Additionally, Paul has historically prioritized staying close to his family on the West Coast, which makes a move to Wisconsin less appealing.
Most importantly, Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn’t seem particularly fond of the future Hall of Fame point guard. Tensions flared last season after Antetokounmpo felt Paul committed an unsportsmanlike foul late in the Bucks’ February 1 loss to the Spurs.
The foul was later ruled a common foul, but the incident sparked an on-court exchange of words after the game, with Giannis speaking bluntly in his postgame comments.
Could signing Chris Paul keep Giannis Antetokounmpo with the Bucks?
Jul 20, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul (3) tangles with Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the third quarter during game six of the 2021 NBA Finals at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
If the Bucks remain interested in bringing in Paul on a low-risk deal, they might persuade Antetokounmpo to give them a small window to integrate the future Hall of Fame guard into the lineup.
The Milwaukee Bucks would not be relying on a 40-year-old Paul to turn their season around on his own. What he has proven over 21 NBA seasons is that he remains one of the league’s smartest and most effective playmakers. Paul also excels at maximizing the impact of his big men, which on paper could benefit both Antetokounmpo and Myles Turner.
Nov 25, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Given this, it’s reasonable to think Antetokounmpo might be willing to stay with the Bucks through December and potentially into February if the team adds Paul. While it may not guarantee he remains past the trade deadline, it could at least give the front office time to execute a meaningful trade before then.
With Paul orchestrating the offense alongside Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. delivering near All-Star production, the Bucks might shift momentum quickly enough to give Antetokounmpo reason to believe the season still holds promise.