INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – APRIL 28: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during Game Four … [+]
All good things must come to an end. Or do they? That’s the question the Milwaukee Bucks and Brook Lopez are hoping to answer sooner rather than later this offseason.
Lopez, who turned 36 shortly before the regular season ended, is entering the final year of a two-year contract he signed with the Bucks last summer. Milwaukee had to fend off a litany of other suitors to keep their defensive anchor. Now, it may be the Bucks who are looking to move on from the guy they worked so diligently to keep just one year ago.
That’s how quickly the NBA can move. Players who are thought to be staples of championship-contending teams can quickly prove to be dispensable (see: Jrue Holiday).
The case to trade Lopez is complex, with many pros and cons to consider. Let’s break down the Bucks’ case for both trading and keeping Lopez this summer.
The Case to Keep Lopez
The primary reason for retaining Lopez is simple: Milwaukee doesn’t have another center ready to replicate his production on both ends of the court.
Bobby Portis is a solid bench player, but his track record in critical playoff moments suggests he shouldn’t be a full-time starter. Trading Lopez for another center, like Orlando’s Wendell Carter Jr., is the only alternative if they move on from him.
Despite the Bucks’ overall defensive struggles last year, Lopez remains one of the best defensive anchors in the NBA. He led the league in contested field goal attempts per game at a staggering 22.2 and ranked 11th in blocks with 1.3 per game. With Milwaukee still lacking elite perimeter defenders, Lopez’s rim protection is invaluable.
His synergy with Giannis Antetokounmpo is another key factor. Lopez can handle the physical matchups in the paint, allowing Giannis to roam defensively. Offensively, Lopez’s 36.6 percent three-point shooting last season provided crucial spacing for Antetokounmpo to operate.
Beyond his on-court contributions, Lopez is beloved by his teammates. He recently spent time at Disney World with Giannis and his family, highlighting his strong bond with the team.
While the Bucks have made tough decisions before that prioritize on-court performance over locker room dynamics, trading Lopez would be a significant move given his impact both on and off the court.
The Case to Trade Lopez
Kevin O’Connor reported that the Bucks want to play a more versatile defensive style under Doc Rivers next season. To achieve this, they might need to part ways with Lopez. As exceptional as he is at protecting the rim, his lack of mobility limits him to a specific defensive role.
There’s also the risk of losing Lopez for nothing if he retires or walks in free agency next season. He’s done an incredible job rejuvenating his career in Milwaukee and staying relevant into his mid-30s, but it’s fair to question how much longer a 7-foot-1, 282-pound player can maintain his performance. These are likely conversations happening behind the scenes between Lopez and the front office.
The decision won’t be made in isolation. The Bucks will need to weigh two potential scenarios to determine the best path forward.
The first scenario involves trading Lopez to address another roster need, facilitating the versatile defensive scheme Rivers envisions.
A hypothetical one-for-one swap with the Houston Rockets, who Lopez nearly signed with last year, for Dillon Brooks could be an option. Milwaukee could then sign a veteran like Daniel Theis or even aim for someone like Precious Achiuwa (though unlikely) to a veteran minimum contract.
The second scenario is keeping Lopez and signing a complementary wing such as Cedi Osman or Josh Okogie.
So, who would you rather have: Brooks and Theis or Lopez and Okogie? This may be the crucial question Jon Horst and the Bucks front office are pondering as they decide Lopez’s future.
