Assessing Bleacher Report’s Kelly Oubre Jr. trade for the Milwaukee Bucks

The verdict on Bleacher Report’s proposed Kelly Oubre trade between the Milwaukee Bucks and Charlotte Hornets

Despite their glaring need for another wing and the fact that it would free up more playing time for Bobby Portis, the Milwaukee Bucks would likely stay away from making this trade.

Lopez has been too valuable for the Bucks over the years, and despite missing a good chunk of the season due to that back surgery, they likely will keep him around. It is already a fact that the Bucks can win a title with Lopez as the starting center, so the front office would likely only trade him in a package for a bonafide star, and with all due respect, Oubre is simply not that. The forward would be a tremendous pickup, but not at the expense of the team’s starting center that has been a key piece in leading this formidable Milwaukee defense over the years. That makes it seem unlikely that the Bucks would be able to land Oubre, given that Lopez’s salary matches up well with it.

While Oubre would be a tough get for the Bucks, they should look to engage the Hornets in trade talks this offseason for a different forward. P.J. Washington is another Hornet that could be the Bucks’ ideal target, given that he is a versatile 6-foot-7 forward that can guard multiple positions and can space the floor better than Oubre on the other end of the floor. On top of that, he is set to make $5.8 million next season compared to Oubre’s $12.6 million, so it would be much easier to acquire him from a financial standpoint. The Bucks would be wise to inquire about him, and if the Hornets are willing to entertain offers, Washington would likely be their best bet, as they would likely be able to keep Lopez while getting a piece that checks several of the same boxes as Oubre.

Ultimately, while it is interesting to consider, this trade involving Kelly Oubre is quite unlikely.

Stay tuned to see what the Milwaukee Bucks do to upgrade their roster this offseason.