Due to big man Brook Lopez’s age, there’s a pretty good chance his performance will decline sooner or later. Before this happens, the Milwaukee Bucks can target Wendell Carter Jr. from Orlando Magic to make their backcourt with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo more dynamic.

Apr 10, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) takes a shot against Milwaukee Bucks forward Jae Crowder (99) in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Carter entered the league as the Chicago Bulls the seventh overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. He made his debut in 2018 by scoring 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and a block against the Philadelphia 76ers. Days later, the big man notched his first impressive cored a season-high 25 points with eight rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and three steals in an overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets.

Dec 30, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) reacts after a play in the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

In 2021, Carter was traded from the Bulls to the Orlando Magic, where he continued to shine. Later that year, he signed a four-year, $50 million rookie scale extension with the Magic. A year later, Carter scored a career-high 30 points in a 90–85 win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

This was a feat he would match a few months later, in a 116–108 loss against the same team. However, he was suspended by the NBA for one game without pay due to coming off the bench during an altercation in a game against the Detroit Pistons during the 2022-23 campaign. The following season, Carter only played 55 games due to various injuries to his body.

Milwaukee Bucks Swap Brook Lopez For Orlando Magic’s Wendell Carter Jr.

Mar 1, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) shoots during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
If the Bucks’ front office is looking for an upgrade at the center position, one of the guys they should keep an eye on is Carter. In an article for Forbes, Brian Sampson detailed why the former Bulls rookie is a potentially good move to make for Antetokounmpo and company.

“This deal would accomplish multiple tasks for the Bucks. First, it would provide them with a mobile center who allows for a more versatile defensive scheme. Carter Jr. may be smaller than Lopez, but his switchability is crucial if Milwaukee aims to overcome the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Secondly, the trade would put the Bucks under the second apron. This financial maneuver is significant as it would grant them access to the Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, enabling them to sign a more impactful free agent. Additionally, it could facilitate an aggregated trade involving Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton.

While this move would hard-cap Milwaukee, it opens numerous doors for them this offseason. It could be the beginning of a revamped roster, positioning the Bucks for sustained success in their pursuit of another championship,” Sampson wrote.

Last season, Carter averaged 11.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He also connected 52 percent of his field goals, 37 percent of his shots from deep, and almost 70 percent from the free throw line.
Apr 14, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) shoots the ball against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) during the second half at KIA Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
It remains to be seen whether Carter can make his way to Milwaukee and possibly replace Lopez or he stays put in Orlando since he has two more years left in his contract. In any case, having him around may possibly unlock the Bucks and give head coach Doc Rivers a more versatile big man to pair up with Antetokounmpo and Lillard.

Dec 30, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. (34) dunks the ball on Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the third quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

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