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Hiring Doc Rivers as the head coach in the middle of the season, the Bucks had high expectations from him. But the move backfired horrendously as he failed to even lead the team out of the first round. While a lot of it had to do with Giannis and Dame being injured, Rivers seems to have come up with a new plan to correct his mistakes next season. And that idea could jeopardise Center Brook Lopez’s future in Milwaukee just like the Houston Rockets predicted last year.
As per the latest report by NBA Insider Brian Windhorst, Rivers is likely looking to make some major changes in the core pieces of the Bucks roster. “Not Dame or Giannis, but potentially looking at another maneuver they could make to alter their team. I think they could be active in the trade market coming up.” Windy added.
Doc Rivers is looking to change the core around Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, per @WindhorstESPN
“There’s starting to be rumblings that Doc Rivers is looking for a change or two to some of their core pieces. Not Dame or Giannis, but potentially looking at another… pic.twitter.com/T5217UmLmg
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 21, 2024
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Amid this upcoming change, Yahoo Sports was informed by league personnel that the Bucks might be willing to trade Brook Lopez and are assessing his trade value for this summer. Entering the second year of his two-year $48 million contract and recently turning 36YO, the Bucks could consider trading him while he is still productive on the court rather than waiting his contract out and letting him slip away for a lower price next year. And that is exactly what the Rockets warned Lopez about when they were pursuing him last off season during free agency.
Predicting Lopez’s eventual fate in Milwaukee, the Rockets told him that the Bucks will trade him this summer if he re-signs with them. Moreover, they wanted him to come to Houston and become the veteran leader in their rebuilding roster. Regardless, he re-signed with his current team and chose to stay in Milwaukee. But it is possible that Lopez does not fit the Bucks’ mold anymore with Rivers’ new secret plan.
Brook Lopez could still be an asset for other title contenders
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While it looks like Lopez might no longer be a Bucks player after this summer, there are several teams that might be interested in acquiring the seven-footer. And one team who could benefit a lot from a big man like Lopez are the New York Knicks. Despite an amazing regular season run and a thrilling series against the Pacers, the Knicks were haunted by the injury bug that exposed their lack of size on the roster. With stars like Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson injured, protecting the paint became one of their biggest weaknesses during the playoffs.
Looking to fill that void for next season, the Knicks are reportedly looking to trade Mitchell Robinson this summer and bring in a new big man. And Brook Lopez could be the perfect replacement. Even though he is 36YO, Lopez is still a dominant force on both ends. While the Bucks struggled in the playoffs against Indiana, Lopez had a decent showing by averaging 17.7 points along with over four boards and one block. Moreover, he is also a lethal three-point shooter at his size which could be an added advantage for the Knicks next season.
With so much upside, the Knicks could make a move for Lopez and take him off the Bucks’ hands, putting Rivers’ secret plan in motion.
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Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato has to say about the alleged Shaq and Kobe Lakers beef. Keep checking this space for more such updates.
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Publish date : 2024-06-22 10:55:00
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