5 Bucks who are expendable, 5 they can't afford to trade
By Tyler Watts
Cannot afford to trade: Brook Lopez
Lopez is the anchor of the Bucks' defense. Head coach Adrian Griffin tried to change things up to begin the season, but Milwaukee went back to using the All-Star in drop coverage. He is currently leading the league with 2.8 blocks per game and standing out on both ends of the floor.
The 35-year-old is no longer scoring 20 points per game as he did in his prime, but he is a key floor spacer and shot-maker. Lopez is shooting 35.3 percent from 3-point range on 5.3 attempts per game. His scoring is slightly down from last season, but it is his second-highest total since joining the Bucks in 2018.
The Rockets tried everything to sign Brook Lopez away from Milwaukee, but the Bucks got him to agree to a two-year $48 million deal. They could not afford to lose their defensive anchor and starting center. It would have left the Bucks without an avenue to replace him and would have upset Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Fans know what to expect from Brook Lopez. The Bucks must keep him healthy for when the games matter most, and they need to tighten up their defense around the 7’1 big man. Lopez will help keep Milwaukee in title contention, but the rest of the roster must do their part.