3 intriguing Milwaukee Bucks’ trade targets with ties to Brook Lopez

Throughout his lengthy NBA career with the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Milwaukee Bucks, Brook Lopez has played with his share of recognizable faces.

As the Bucks look to retool their roster this offseason, there are several players that have played alongside Lopez over the years that could be interesting targets. While Milwaukee will not have a quality amount of financial flexibility or desirable assets, there are a select few players that could be somewhat feasible targets for them to pursue in trades. With that being said, let us look at an established trio of players that fit the description.

Kyle Kuzma could be a trade target for the Milwaukee Bucks

The first of many former Los Angeles Lakers on this list is Kyle Kuzma, who suited up alongside Brook Lopez during the 2017-18 NBA season. The 26-year-old forward could be an interesting trade target for the Milwaukee Bucks if the Washington Wizards were to entertain any offers in the offseason, given what he could bring to the table on both sides of the ball.

First and foremost, it is abundantly clear following Milwaukee’s 2022 playoff run that they need to get more versatile this offseason. They lacked that same versatility that helped them win the title during the previous season, and while adding a player like Kuzma does not guarantee another trip to the NBA Finals, he could help patch up one of the team’s lingering flaws. Standing at 6-foot-9, Kuzma is capable of playing either forward position, which would give coach Mike Budenholzer an assortment of lineup combinations to toy with. Kuzma could also help the Bucks fill their current small ball power forward vacancy, as they desperately need to add one this offseason. He would be a solid fit alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo in those smaller lineups, and he would bring more championship experience to this roster at the same time.

Statistically, Kuzma has also been a quality player throughout his career by averaging 15.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per contest. His scoring ability should be eye-catching for the Bucks, as they are in the market for second unit scoring this offseason after it was an issue that plagued them consistently throughout the 2021-22 season. The one question mark in that regard is how well Kuzma would fit in Mike Budenholzer’s 3-point reliant offense, as he has knocked down just 33.9 percent of his career triples. That could make Milwaukee hesitant, but due to all of the other boxes that Kuzma checks off, his hit-or-miss outside shooting could be worth gambling on.

Financially, Kuzma’s $13 million salary next season could make him a somewhat challenging piece for the Bucks to target, given their financial limitations. However, that does not mean it is outright impossible, it would just take some string pulling from general manager Jon Horst to put together an appropriate package. If the Wizards will entertain offers, the Bucks certainly should make one.