At this stage of his career, center Brook Lopez‘s performance is expected to fall off a cliff. Before that happens, the Milwaukee Bucks’ front office can be proactive and pursue a former champion in Bruce Brown from the Toronto Raptors during the offseason.

Milwaukee Bucks, Bruce Brown


Jan 3, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Bruce Brown (11) dribbles the ball while Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) defends in the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Drafted 42nd overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2018, Brown made his debut that October and has since blossomed into a versatile two-way player. In 2019, Brown had a breakout game, posting 22 points and 7 assists against the Brooklyn Nets. He continued his strong play, recording a double-double against the Denver Nuggets in February 2020. That November, Brown was traded to the Nets in a three-team deal.

Milwaukee Bucks, Bruce BrownJan 3, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA;Indiana Pacers forward Bruce Brown (11) shoots the ball while Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Brown’s career-best performance came in February 2021, when he scored 29 points in a win over the Sacramento Kings. Despite inconsistent playing time, he showcased his abilities in the 2022 playoffs, scoring 26 points for the Nets against the Celtics.

In the summer of 2022, Brown signed with the Denver Nuggets, where he won his first NBA championship in 2023. He was instrumental in the Finals, scoring 21 points in a pivotal Game 4 win over the Miami Heat. Brown then joined the Indiana Pacers in 2023 on a lucrative two-year deal, before being traded to the Toronto Raptors in January 2024.

Milwaukee Bucks Swap Big Man Brook Lopez For Former Champion Bruce Brown

Milwaukee Bucks, Bruce BrownJan 3, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Bruce Brown (11) shoots the ball while Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
At 27 years old, Brown is still in the prime of his career and Lopez is clearly not. In an article for Forbes, Brian Sampson explained why the Bucks will be better off trading the one-time All-Star for the former champion.

“This is the idea floated by O’Connor, who wrote, “Trading Brook Lopez for Brown is a perfect match of salaries, and then the Raptors could flip Lopez elsewhere. The amount of screening and cutting Brown could do in support of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard would be glorious to watch.”

I have to admit, using Brown as a screener for Antetokounmpo, Lillard, and even Khris Middleton would add an entirely new dimension to the Bucks’ offensive attack. They could exploit defenses in novel ways, constantly keeping opponents on their heels,” Sampson wrote.

Throughout his six-year career, Brown has averaged 8.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. He also has shot 48 percent from the field, 33 percent from deep, 76 percent from the free throw line.
Milwaukee Bucks, Bruce BrownJan 3, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Bruce Brown (11) shoots the ball while Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
With Brown, a true 3-and-D wing in the lineup, head coach Doc Rivers will have another option on both ends of the court. In turn, this will help Milwaukee come up with a more formidable roster for next season.
Milwaukee Bucks, Bruce BrownJan 3, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Bruce Brown (11) defends in the first quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

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