The Milwaukee Bucks are navigating a challenging offseason with significant roster decisions ahead. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard commanding substantial portions of the salary cap, and hefty contracts for Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, the Bucks find themselves in the second apron of the NBA’s salary cap.
This position limits Milwaukee’s ability to sign free agents or make trades without matching salaries. To add meaningful talent via trade, the Bucks must be willing to part with valuable players.
NBA Analyst Suggests Trade: Brook Lopez for Bruce Brown
One realistic trade candidate for the Bucks is center Brook Lopez. Despite his status as a former NBA Champion and one of the league’s premier rim protectors, Lopez’s lack of defensive versatility is a concern. Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer suggests a trade sending Lopez to the Toronto Raptors for Bruce Brown, another former NBA Champion.
“League sources expect the Raptors to pick up Brown’s option this summer and then look to trade him,” O’Connor notes. “Brown is a super versatile defender, a tone-setter, a rebounder, and a scrappy do-it-all maestro on offense. Every team should want Bruce Brown.
“There are rumblings that the Bucks would like to play a more versatile style of defense next season, raising the question of whether Brook Lopez has a future there. Trading Lopez for Brown is a perfect match of salaries. The Raptors could then 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.”
Since the salaries in this trade would match, the NBA would likely approve it. Additionally, the Raptors might trade Lopez again, potentially preserving the Bucks’ draft picks.
How Would Bruce Brown Fit on the Milwaukee Bucks?
Bruce Brown would be an ideal fit for Milwaukee. He can guard multiple positions and is a relatively reliable three-point shooter. The Bucks lost defensive prowess with the trade of Jrue Holiday, despite Lillard’s underrated defense and Malik Beasley’s efforts.
Brown’s versatility would fill this gap, allowing him to play point guard, shooting guard, or small forward. Last season, Brown averaged 10.8 points and shot 32% from three, but he is just two years removed from a 40.4% three-point shooting season with the Denver Nuggets.
While replacing Lopez’s rim defense will be challenging, his advancing age and limited athleticism make a case for the Bucks to pursue a more versatile defender like Brown.
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