The Milwaukee Bucks have made it known that they are going to be making some pretty significant changes to their roster. When they were eliminated from the NBA Playoffs following their first-round loss to the Indiana Pacers, the immediate discourse and rumors were that they might trade All-Star point guard Damian Lillard. Of course, the usual Giannis Antetokounmpo rumors started swirling again as well.
Dec 17, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) drives against Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) in the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
However, the Bucks, Giannis, and Lillard have all made it known that the two superstars are not going anywhere. That being said, head coach Doc Rivers has also made it known that he wants to make some changes. As a result, rumor surrounding other players on the Bucks’ roster have begun to make headlines.
The Milwaukee Bucks May Be Shopping Center Brook Lopez on the NBA Trade Market
Due to their salary cap situation (they are in the second apron), the Bucks do not have many options when it comes to participating in a trade. That means that one or more of their core supporting players could end up being moved.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, one name that is frequently brought up among NBA personnel is Brook Lopez:
“League personnel told Yahoo Sports the Bucks are open to reshaping their roster, and they are gauging the trade value for Brook Lopez. Houston, sources said, cautioned Lopez that re-signing with Milwaukee could very well lead to him eventually being traded when the Rockets pursued Lopez in free agency a year ago.”
In six seasons with the Bucks, Lopez has averaged 13.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game. He has made two All-NBA Defense Teams and finished second in NBA Defensive Player of the Year voting in the 2022-23 season.
As Fischer notes, Lopez signed a two-year deal with the Bucks last summer, turning down bigger offers from other teams. Now, it sounds like he may not be able to play out that contract in Milwaukee.
The San Antonio Spurs Have Shown Interest in Milwaukee Bucks Center Brook Lopez
Apr 28, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) defends during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
According to Matt Moore of The Action Network, “Brook Lopez is most consistently the name brought up as involved in discussions, with San Antonio among the interested teams.”
The Spurs, of course, boast Victor Wembanyama, who averaged a NBA-leading 3.6 blocks per season as a rookie this past year.
A combination of Wemby and Lopez on defense would give the Spurs an historic shot-blocking presence. Moore does not suggest who the Bucks could get in return, but it would need to be an athletic wing who would fit Rivers’ system.
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