Assessing Bleacher Report’s Brook Lopez trade for Milwaukee Bucks
By Dalton Sell
The lunacy in Bleacher Report’s Brook Lopez trade for Milwaukee Bucks
Aside from him simply being available at this moment, trading for Favors does not make much sense for the Bucks. That is no disrespect toward Favors, just the fact that Lopez has proven himself to be incredibly important for the Bucks on both sides of the basketball. His defense is phenomenal, which was on full display throughout the title run. Offensively, the big man’s versatility makes him a perfect fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of this core.
The biggest question is whether Lopez will be back this season. At 33-years-old, a back procedure is certainly not ideal for a 7-foot, 282lb center, and the Bucks certainly do not want to rush him as he rehabs. However, there is reportedly optimism within the organization that Lopez could return for the Bucks down the road this season. If the big man miraculously is able to come back for their playoff run, it would be a massive boost for their title chances. Trading for Favors might help in the present, but the Bucks would miss Lopez dearly if he managed to be available for the playoffs.
The Bucks also are not desperately seeking another center right now. Bobby Portis has played the best basketball of his career this season as he has filled in for Lopez as the starter, and he has not given any indication that he will be slowing down. The team also brought in DeMarcus Cousins on a non-guaranteed deal in light of Lopez’s injury, and after some initial growing pains, he has found a groove lately. With this one-two punch at the center position, the Bucks are in good hands right now. If the Bucks are still looking to shore up their size despite the strong play from these two, there are trade options they could consider that do not involve moving Lopez.