3 Possible Bucks trade targets off the board following Brook Lopez rumor

Dillon Brooks, Houston Rockets

When his days with the Memphis Grizzlies were winding down, Dillon Brooks was reportedly on the radar of the Milwaukee Bucks. However, Brooks ended up with the Houston Rockets in free agency, and fans have wondered if making a play for him would make sense, given that they were known to have a legitimate interest in the big man during the 2023 NBA offseason.

Brooks, a 6-foot-6 All-Defensive honoree, has made a living due to his defensive presence out on the perimeter. He'd give Milwaukee the best wing defender - something they've needed for years now - they've had in a long time, bringing in a player who is no stranger to taking on the top assignments. Furthermore, Brooks is a double-digit scorer and quality 3-point shooter.

With Brooks set to take home $22.5 million this coming season, he would have fit right in if the Bucks moved Lopez's $23 million deal. It's unclear if Houston still has any interest in Lopez, especially after trading for Steven Adams recently, but if they did, Brooks for him would have made some sense. Now, Brook Lopez being marked safe from trade talks makes this unlikely.

With Brook Lopez staying put, any trades the Milwaukee Bucks try to produce will have to be smaller. Bobby Portis, Pat Connaughton and MarJon Beauchamp are three players who will likely be featured heavily in the rumor mill leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.