Macri’s Missives: Pass the Buck

Macri’s Missives is a weekly column published on The Strickland, typically every Thursday, where Jonathan Macri has a candid email exchange with a guest. Think of it like a written podcast. This week, Macri is joined by Brian Sampson, AKA Bucks Film Room, to dive into Giannis’ potential availability and whether the Bucks could insert themselves into talks for Chris Paul.

On Mon, Sep 14, 2020 at 10:16 AM Jonathan Macri wrote:

Hey Brian (or Bucks Film Room, as I know that's how many in the Twitterverse know you),

So first of all, thank you for doing this. I have to be honest... if I was a content creator for the Bucks, and someone emailed me about taking part in a column about the possibility of my best player exiting town, I'm pretty sure I'd have some choice words for that person. But you are far classier than I, and for that I am grateful.

Second of all, before we get into what this summer could bring, how would you gauge the temperature of Bucks fans right now? Is it "I don't even want to talk about the possibility of Giannis ever playing somewhere else, let's just focus on improving this team," or is there a segment of the fanbase that is open to the possibility that he may very well walk in 2021, and it's worth it to at least explore the notion of what else might be out there, even if just in theory?

On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 4:15 PM Bucks Film Room wrote:

Hey Jonathan, thanks for having me on. I've been a big fan of yours for some time.

As for the temperature of Bucks' fans, I don't think many are willing to even entertain the possibility Giannis is leaving, will leave, or could leave. And why would they? Giannis has done and said everything that is consistent with him wanting to stay in Milwaukee. He's talked about wanting to win a championship here, raising his family here, and we all know how loyal he is. It's even crazier to think he still has one year left on his contract, as the national media has been talking about his potential departure for what feels like two to three years now while ignoring the likes of Anthony Davis and others’ potential free agencies this offseason. (No, I'm not upset about this omission. Why do you ask?)

On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 3:54 PM Jonathan Macri wrote:

Well first of all, thank you for the kind words!

And second of all, it seems like how Bucks fans feel is exactly how I would feel if I were in Milwaukee. It's funny you bring up AD, because there is this national presumption that he's just going to stay in LA to continue to play for an organization that a) I'm still not sure is all that competently run to b) play alongside a guy who is now about 100 days from his 36th birthday and has already played more total minutes (regular season and playoffs combined) than all but two players in NBA history.

That said, it is a story. So before we get to what the Bucks might do to improve the roster (a conversation I think involves the Knicks as well, as they might be competing for the same guy), two questions: is there any offer for Giannis that the Knicks could conceivably put on the table that would at least make you think twice; and second, is there a player or potential package out there that you think would be so good where the Bucks would be foolish not to at least discuss it internally?

On Thu, Sep 17, 2020 at 11:29 AM Bucks Film Room wrote:

There isn't any offer the Knicks (or anyone, really, but especially the Knicks) could put on the table that would make me think about moving Giannis this year. Even if he says he's gone, the Bucks have to run it back with him — that will be their best chance at a championship regardless. Bucks general manager Jon Horst would probably internally discuss potential offers, but there isn't really a package out there that would bring back equal value. That's true with any NBA superstar, nonetheless one of the top three players in the entire game. Antetokounmpo's impact on both ends of the court is so immense, there's no way they'd get back equal value in current players and/or future draft picks. The only way I can see the Bucks trading him is via a sign-and-trade after next season if he's on the cusp of signing with someone else and he wants to help the Bucks recoup some assets (and get a slightly larger contract).

On Thu, Sep 17, 2020 at 12:01 PM Jonathan Macri wrote:

Again, I can't disagree with this stance. I went back last week and looked at what I consider to be the five biggest trades of in- or near-their-prime NBA players (Kareem, Moses, Barkley, Shaq, and Kawhi) and none of the teams that dealt those guys away got anything close to equal value. Meanwhile, every one of the teams that acquired those players won a championship with them, with the exception of the Barkley Suns, who took the Bulls to six games in the Finals.

So I guess then my last question is this: if the goal is to upgrade the Bucks' talent — and one look at the All-NBA Teams (and even the guys who didn't make it, but still received a lot of votes) makes it clear that among the best players in the league, Chris Paul is the guy who feels attainable — is Paul someone you would want Horst to make a play for, and if so, what would you give up to get him?

On Thu, Sep 17, 2020 at 5:59 PM Bucks Film Room wrote:

Chris Paul is extremely risky because of his age, contract and injury history. With that being said, he might be one of the only upgrades available for the Bucks, and they should absolutely go after him. It will likely take a ton of assets for Milwaukee to make this happen, which certainly adds to the risk, but this could be their last true run at a championship if Giannis walks in free agency. In other words, they have to go all in. Most of the players the Bucks send over would be just to match Paul's salary, but they'll likely have to attach a first round pick or two as well. Something I don't mind, as long as they are protected.

On Thu, Sep 17, 2020 at 7:05 PM Jonathan Macri wrote:

Not to overstate the situation, but I think what the Bucks decide to do on the Chris Paul front might be the most interesting question of the NBA offseason. If they don't go for him, is there really another player they could obtain for what they have to offer that would make enough of a difference in the ultimate outcome of where they go next season? I'm not so sure. On the other hand, if they do trade away a future pick or picks and Giannis still leaves, it could make rebuilding after the fact that much harder, although as you imply here, that might not be a problem they have the luxury of worrying about right now.

Whatever they decide, I have a feeling it'll directly impact the Knicks. Yes, there might be other teams who get involved for Paul, but of the logical ones, Philly is the only real contender, and is Paul really the personality they want to add to that mix? Plus, considering they'd probably need to send Horford's contract back in the trade, that would only increase Sam Presti's asking price in terms of future picks/protections, and make the downside risk even more severe than it would be for Milwaukee.

Either way, it promises to be a veeeeeery interesting fall/winter.