The Bucks have achieved the league’s best regular season record in each of the past two seasons. However, they have also failed to make it to the Finals in each of the past two seasons. As a result, rumors are circulating over who may or may not be on the trading block. One of those names is Eric Bledsoe, whose performance in the last two playoffs has left many fans frustrated. The franchise, too, may be looking to trade the two-time All-Defensive Team guard as a result of his playoff struggles. Here, we look at three possible destinations for Eric Bledsoe.
Possible Destination #1: Oklahoma City Thunder
This may be the biggest, most-talked about possible trade in Milwaukee right now. Eric Bledsoe (and others) for Chris Paul. Chris Paul is a veteran, he can shoot, he still plays at a high level at 34 years old. Pairing him with Giannis and Khris Middleton would create one of the most feared Big Three’s in recent memory.
There is just one problem, though: Chris Paul’s contract. He is currently under contract for next year for north of $44 million. He has said there is no way he will opt out of that deal in order to make a trade away from the Thunder happen. Any team that wants his services is going to pay him.
Now, word has leaked that Giannis gave Bucks’ owners a list of players he would like to play with. Rumor is that Chris Paul is on that list:
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s meeting with Bucks ownership over the weekend also included the Greek Freak giving a list of desired players of whom he’d like to be teammates with.
Chris Paul was on that list, I’m told. pic.twitter.com/MbFlN4disD
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) September 16, 2020
Rumor also has it that Bucks’ ownership has told Giannis that they are willing to spend so much that they will go into the luxury tax next season. While CP3 to Milwaukee may be a stretch, it’s not as big of a stretch as it could have been in years past.
Possible Destination #2: New Orleans
The second most-talked about destination for Eric Bledsoe is the New Orleans Pelicans. Of all of these destinations, this one may make the most sense. In return for Bledsoe, the Bucks would most likely hope for point guard Jrue Holiday in return. Holiday is under contract for two more years and will make between $25 million and $30 million in each season. This makes him a much more affordable option than Paul, at least on a year-to-year basis.
One thing, I think, should also be looked at in exploring a trade for Holiday would be also trying to acquire veteran three-point specialist JJ Redick. Redick, who played half a season in Milwaukee during the 2012-2013 season, would fill a possible void if Kyle Korver decides to retire or sign elsewhere. It is likely the Bucks will need to include other players in a trade of this nature, but the possibility of bringing in two players who averaged a combined 34 points last year would be great for the Bucks.
Possible Destination #3- Dallas
When Bucks fans think of possible weaknesses in the Bucks’ offense, having guards who can consistently make three point shots is one of the most brought up topics. In Dallas, there are two guards who made close to 40% or more of their three-point attempts: Tim Hardaway Jr. and Seth Curry. Hardaway shot 39.8% from three and Curry 45.2%. Both players averaged double figures.
Hardaway has one year and about $18 million left on his current deal. Meanwhile, Curry has three years and $7.8 million remaining. The Bucks would have to include another player and, most likely, a draft pick in order to make this trade work. That is, if Dallas is even willing. Regardless, it is a trade that would bring large benefits to the Bucks and greatly improve their spread offense.
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