In the closing minutes before the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline buzzer sounded, the Milwaukee Bucks made their second deal of the day.
Per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bucks sent Robin Lopez and cash to the Sacramento Kings in what was an anticlimactic finish to the deadline. This deal came two hours after the Bucks pulled off their first deal of the day, acquiring Patrick Beverley from the Philadelphia 76ers.
Robin, who has always been humorous, sent an on-par message after being dealt from Milwaukee, saying, "I enjoyed being teammates with Patrick Beverley for all of an hour and 45 minutes I'll never forget those times #Indelible"
Robin Lopez had an on-par sendoff after being traded by the Milwaukee Bucks
Lopez's second stint with the Bucks was far from memorable. The big man rarely touched the floor, but when he did, he often struggled mightily. That was especially the case as of late, as his brother Brook missed time due to personal reasons, clearing a runway for Robin to fill in. It did not go well, highlighting that perhaps Milwaukee needed to go out and find another option in the frontcourt.
By trading away Lopez, the Bucks have now freed up a roster spot. Buyout signings are rarely ultimate difference-makers, but Milwaukee has a chance to now add a player who could potentially help them more than Lopez did. The biggest question is what position the team might aim to address with it if they even do.
It should be noted that the Bucks cannot sign a handful of potential buyout candidates due to salary rules. Players who made a tick over $12 million on the previous contract before being bought out will not be available. For instance, Spencer Dinwiddie, who was making $18.6 million this season before a buyout courtesy of the Toronto Raptors, cannot sign with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Bucks could also stand pat with the roster as is, which would open up more flexibility in tweaking the roster this coming off-season if Khris Middleton does not hit his unlikely bonuses.
Based on some quick math, that could push Bucks back under the 2nd apron by season’s end assuming Khris Middleton doesn’t hit his unlikely bonuses. Could give more flexibility between end of season and July 1. Depends on additional moves/buyout signings. https://t.co/UF5mIWbc0u
— Frank Madden (@fmaddenNBA) February 8, 2024
The 2024 NBA Trade Deadline was not nearly as exciting as many hoped it would be, but the Bucks made a few tweaks to the roster, and it will be interesting to see how things shake out for them.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.