The Milwaukee Bucks waited until the final moments leading up to the NBA trade deadline to make any changes to their roster. The changes they did make, however, were significant. The first deal saw Milwaukee trade Cameron Payne and a second round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers for defensive stalwart Patrick Beverley. For weeks, Bucks fans have bemoaned the lack of good perimeter defense; that will change with Beverley on the team.
The second move did not seem as significant on the surface, but does present a big opportunity in the near future. Backup center Robin Lopez, along with cash, was traded to the Sacramento Kings. The Kings will waive Lopez once the trade is finalized by the NBA.
The Milwaukee Bucks are trading Robin Lopez to the Sacramento Kings, sources tell ESPN. Lopez is expected to be waived and become a free agent.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2024
The 11th hour trade of Lopez opens up a roster spot on the Bucks, which means that they will be able to sign a player on the buyout market. After today, there are more than a few notable players that are looking for new homes. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Bucks should still be an attractive destination despite their past coaching drama.
Lopez’s second stint with the Bucks has now come to an end. Based on his response, he is not worried about his future nor does he harbor any ill will towards to team. It is, in fact, the type of response one has grown to expect from the fun-loving Lopez twin.
Related: Milwaukee Bucks: Damian Lillard Has Heartfelt Response to Patrick Beverley Trade
Robin Lopez Has a Hilarious Reaction to Being Traded by the Milwaukee Bucks
Aside from Thanasis Antetokounmpo, there is not a player on the Bucks’ regular gameday roster that has seen the floor as little as Lopez has. With his twin brother Brook Lopez starting, and with Bobby Portis getting minutes at center, Robin simply has not been needed.
Even with Brook missing the last few games for the birth of his child, Robin did not see many minutes despite starting those contests. On the season, he has appeared in just 16 games while averaging 1.1 points and 0.3 rebounds in 4.1 minutes.
Needless to say, he was not surprised that Milwaukee decided it was time to move on. He also said goodbye to Milwaukee in one of the funniest ways possible:
I enjoyed being teammates with Patrick Beverley for all of an hour and 45 minutes I’ll never forget those times#Indelible
— Robin Lopez (@rolopez42) February 8, 2024
And as for being waived by the Kings:
I just hope it’s enough to get my number in the rafters I hope I left a legacy there https://t.co/YDfKOuiPUE
— Robin Lopez (@rolopez42) February 8, 2024
Robin is known around the NBA for being a great teammate and positive locker room presence. Hopefully he is able to land on another team after he clears waivers.
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