Assessing Bleacher Report’s Brook Lopez trade for Milwaukee Bucks
By Dalton Sell
Among the many Milwaukee Bucks that have been featured in hypothetical trade packages over the past few seasons, Brook Lopez has often been a recurring name.
Most of that chatter quieted after Lopez helped the Bucks win their first championship in 50 years last season, but due to some unfortunate circumstances, his name has returned in packages made by fans. Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey recently pieced together a trade for every team that played a game on Christmas, which obviously included the defending champs. We will look at the trade, as well as the logic, lunacy, and an overall verdict as to whether or not the Bucks should do it. With all that being said, here is B/R’s proposed Lopez trade and the breakdown.
The (finite) logic in Bleacher Report’s Brook Lopez trade for Milwaukee Bucks
After appearing in the season-opener, Lopez took some time off after reports surfaced that he was dealing with some lingering back soreness. A few games turned into many games, which eventually led to the big man getting a procedure done. Lopez has played just one game this season as a result and there currently is no timetable on a potential return. As the Bucks look to stay afloat without their starting center, B/R thinks someone like Derrick Favors could help.
Though he has never been a star, Favors has proven to be a solid player throughout his career by averaging 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 11 NBA seasons. Favors would immediately bolster Milwaukee’s size in the second unit with an experienced veteran that could come in and give some solid minutes on a nightly basis. Favors would provide rim protection that the Bucks are currently missing with Lopez sidelined while bringing some passable offensive play on the other side of the ball.
The center position had no shortage of question marks heading into the season, and Lopez’s surgery has only tacked on more. Adding a veteran like Favors that would bring another big body into the equation would help alleviate some of those issues momentarily. Some have clamored for the front office to bring aboard more support in that area, and this trade would undoubtedly fit the billing in that regard.