Brook Lopez has been holding down the center position for the Milwaukee Bucks for the last seven seasons. After the way last season ended and Lopez set to be a free agent, it appears that the seven-year run could be coming to an end. If you're the Bucks, how do you fill the hole a stretch, rim-protecting center like Lopez leaves? Kristaps Porzingis of the Boston Celtics could be the answer.
Porzingis provides the shooting and defense Milwaukee needs
The Boston Celtics are in a position where they need to shed salary to avoid paying the luxury tax. With Jayson Tatum sidelined due to an Achilles tear next season, moving players like Porzingis and former Milwaukee Buck Jrue Holiday is very likely. In Porzingis' case, you might be able to get a stretch five without giving up the assets it would typically take to bring in that type of player.
The downside of a player like Porzingis is his injury history. The Bucks would need to have backup plans in place in case Porzingis misses time. Retaining a player like Jericho Sims or drafting a contributing frontcourt player in the draft would go a long way to aid this possibility.
Despite the risk, Porzingis is just 29 years old; he is younger than Giannis Antetokounmpo and could be his partner in the frontcourt for years to come.
Porzingis' shooting and rim protection are just as good, if not better than what Lopez brought to the team. This allows him to still play with Giannis without clogging the paint. He also gives the Bucks a significant weapon who can generate offense on a nightly basis (something the Bucks will need with no Damian Lillard for most of next season).
The trade would likely involve Kyle Kuzma and one of Chris Livingston, whose future is up in the air, or Andre Jackson Jr. to make the salary work. This would save the Celtics roughly $6 million and provide them with a contributing asset in Kuzma, who can fill the Tatum spot for next season while he rehabs from injury. Milwaukee gets its starting center to replace Lopez, and someone who could raise the team's ceiling for the playoffs.
Typically, this writer wouldn't recommend trading with a rival team. However, the Bucks and Celtics both seem to be in a state of limbo with two of their stars dealing with significant injuries. This trade could be mutually beneficial for this upcoming season and is something Jon Horst and the front office will have to consider this offseason.