One-time All-Star big man Brook Lopez may be nearing the end of his career and the Milwaukee Bucks may entertain the idea of trading him. If ever, the front office already has a plan in place for the void he’ll leave behind.
Lopez was drafted 10th overall by the New Jersey Nets in the 2008 NBA Draft. He spent his first nine years there, becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer in the process.
In his early years with the Nets, Lopez was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2009 and saw his averages steadily increase. He was selected as an NBA All-Star in 2013 while in Brooklyn. However, his tenure with the team was hampered by injury-plagued seasons from 2011 to 2014.
Lopez’s game underwent a transformation in the 2014-2017 period, as he improved his three-point shooting and set several franchise records with the Nets. He then spent one season with the Los Angeles Lakers before joining the Bucks in 2018.
With the Bucks, Lopez has continued to excel, earning NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2020 and First Team honors in 2023. He was a key part of the Bucks’ championship-winning team in 2021. Lopez’s twin brother, Robin, is also an NBA player, adding to the family’s basketball legacy.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Plan After Possible Trade of Brook Lopez
Even though he is still productive on the court, Lopez is still nearing the end of his career. According to Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the Bucks’ front office already has a plan in place if they decide to trade the big man.
“Yahoo! Sports reported that center Brook Lopez could be on the trade market. Lopez is entering the final year of a two-year contract signed last summer and is making $23 million.
The Journal Sentinel learned that, should the team move on from Lopez, finding a high-level rim protector would be important to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo defensively. The biggest change would be on the offensive end, as the Bucks could be looking for a strong screener and rim-runner, as opposed to a floor-spacing shooter,” Owczarski wrote.
Over the course of six seasons in Milwaukee, Lopez has averaged 13.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game. The center also shot 35 percent from deep during that period, making him an integral part of the Bucks’ offense.
It remains to be seen whether Milwaukee will deal Lopez away or keep him in the coming months. In any case, only time will tell if their contingency plan of getting a traditional center will work down the line.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow us on Twitter at @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
