Grade the trade: Bucks go all-in on small ball in mock deal with Lakers, Magic
By Franco Luna
Milwaukee Bucks POV: Embracing a more balanced approach
The days of sluggish big men defending in drop coverage seem to be long gone in the NBA, and the Bucks' reported interest gauging the market for their longtime center in Brook Lopez is proof.
Despite putting in Defensive Player of the Year-worthy seasons for the Bucks and anchoring the interior for their top 10 defenses in years past, Brook Lopez has found himself on the receiving end of criticism for his ostensibly inflexible caliber of rim protection, not unlike that of fellow big man Rudy Gobert. Even despite what the numbers say about his skill on that end, the eye test is proof enough that the Milwaukee Bucks need more perimeter defense even from the center position.
By making this move, the Bucks address their need for a more defensively sound center with Carter Jr. The 6-foot-10 big man's ability to protect the rim and rebound the basketball complements Giannis Antetokounmpo's defensive dominance, being more switchable and versatile than Lopez.
Vanderbilt adds depth and versatility to their frontcourt, providing another defensive stopper. Lopez's departure creates a hole, but Carter Jr. offers upside and a potentially better fit alongside Giannis.
The Bucks' strategy is clear: prioritize defense without sacrificing too much offense. Giannis' dominance thrives with a strong defensive supporting cast. Enter Wendell Carter Jr., a rim-protecting, rebounding machine who frees Giannis to focus on wreaking havoc on offense.
His developing offensive repertoire would add another dimension to the Bucks' attack, as Carter was able to convert 37.4 percent of his attempts from distance this past season en route to an extremely decent 11 points per game.
According to Cleaning the Glass, in Carter's best season with the Orlando Magic in 2021, opposing teams scored a net-minus 6.5 points per 100 possessions in the minutes Carter was on the floor, putting him in the 93rd percentile among bigs in defensive rating.
That number has since cooled down to -1.8, though, which is still a relatively positive stat for a center. His activity level hasn't waned in the slightest, though, as Carter's playing time this past season still saw opposing teams turning the ball over by +1.2 percentage points more in those minutes, while also failing to pull down -3.1 percent fewer misses.
The point is that while he's not the same caliber of rim protector as Lopez, Carter will certainly allow the Milwaukee Bucks to throw out more schemes and lineups at opposing teams, depending on the different defensive needs each matchup will require.
The 25-year-old, 6-foot-9 Jarred Vanderbilt, on the other hand, has gained recognition for his defense, using his bulk and height to harass opponents of all shapes and sizes. If the club decides to play a more adaptable brand of defense next season, having a large body that can guard practically anyone on the court can only spell good things for a defense already sporting Giannis.
Cleaning the Glass has him in the 87th percentile in defensive rating, as opponents scored -5.1 fewer points per 100 possessions when Vanderbilt was on the floor for Los Angeles, which is an elite statistic even considering his lack of refinement on the offensive side of the ball.
The financial situation makes sense for them, too. Wendell Carter Jr. and Jarred Vanderbilt are expected to earn somewhere around $22.7 million combined next season, which will allow the Bucks to absorb both of them, as Lopez is raking in $23 million.
The hope is that a more defensively sound roster would lead to easier scoring opportunities within the system. The added hustle and defensive versatility from this trade would further solidify the Bucks' identity as a defensive juggernaut.
This trade might not be a blockbuster; they're certainly giving up the best player in this three-team deal, but it's a calculated move toward a more balanced and potentially more consistent championship contender, given the roster they already have.
Grade for the Bucks: A