Due to roster needs and financial reasons, there's a good chance the Milwaukee Bucks could depart with both Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis this offseason. Whether it's time or not, it would sting to see the two champions leave to some degree, but if they do, they could possibly help the Bucks out with a sign and trade that lands them with their new team.
In that scenario, rather than walking out the door, the Milwaukee Bucks could perhaps get some solid assets in return.
A sign and trade could help the Bucks mightily
A good example of a sign and trade return haul is Milwaukee's own deal involving Malcolm Brogdon a few years back. In exchange for Brogdon, who signed a four-year, $85 million deal with the Pacers, the Bucks received a future first-round pick and two second-rounders. Any incoming assets could be of great use to the Milwaukee Bucks in a Lopez or Portis sign and trade.
Of the two, Portis would likely fetch more once he inevitably declines his upcoming player option. The 30-year-old big man will likely be on the hunt for a long-term deal, perhaps something in the range of what Brogdon once signed for. Even if the Bucks were to land a few picks to replenish their depleted asset stash, it would be a nice return for the parting big man.
Lopez, who has potential suitors already circling, will have interest, but at 37, it's unknown how many of those teams may want to do a sign and trade. He also likely won't be in the market for a long-term deal in the same vein as Portis. His value has likely dipped to a degree after being benched during the NBA Playoffs.
If a deal materializes for either player, it would be interesting to see what kind of players the Bucks could recoup. Could Milwaukee find a low-cost hidden gem? An established veteran? A mid-tier player on the hunt for a change of scenery? These are all questions that add to the intrigue of such a concept and what it can do for the team losing the player in the first place.
This summer, the Milwaukee Bucks are set to have the most flexibility they've had in a very long time, and the possibility of a sign and trade only adds to it. Only time will tell how things ultimately pan out.
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