Crafting a mock trade between Bucks, Lakers and Magic based on recent rumors

The Bucks' POV

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor has reported that there are rumblings of Milwaukee wanting to utilize a more versatile defense next season. Lopez has thrived in the drop defense over the years, but when it's time to use any other strategy, it can often be tough to use Lopez because, at 36 years old and 282 pounds, he simply doesn't move as fluidly as he once could, hindering his ability to switch.

If they want to get more versatile at the center spot, Orlando's Wendell Carter Jr. could make sense as a replacement. Carter doesn't bring the same tenacious shot-blocking as Lopez, but he provides excellent rebounding, solid mobility and decent enough perimeter shooting at 6-foot-10 that he'd be able to fit right in next to Milwaukee's stars and provide what they need at the five spot.

Having just turned 25 years old, Carter is young and could become Milwaukee's center of the future. With Lopez getting up there in age, the team needs to at least begin to think about a possible option to take the reigns from him, and Carter could be a strong option. It may be better to address the issue now rather than wait another year and face it head-on when he hits free agency in 2025.

Jarred Vanderbilt would be far from a throw-in here. The 6-foot-8 power forward, also 25, has made a name for himself due to his defense, utilizing his height and length to hound opponents of all sizes. A big body capable of switching and guarding almost anyone on the floor would certainly help the team if a more versatile style of defense is indeed something they want to utilize next year.

The two big concerns with Vanderbilt are his offensive game and his health. He's never been much of a scorer, and his shooting is essentially non-existent, which could make his fit clunky. However, if he can provide such versatile defense, Milwaukee should be willing to sacrifice a little offense. As for health, he played just 29 games due to injuries last season, and one would hope those don't linger.

Vanderbilt's name has been mentioned in trade rumors recently, so it's not far-fetched to believe he could be available currently.