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The Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns are expected to target upgrades to the center spot this summer, and a very interesting option with a championship under his belt has reportedly hit the trade block.
While both the Lakers and Suns reached the playoffs in 2024, they were each ousted in the first round of the postseason. It was a result that fell well below expectations for a pair of teams that have several aging future Hall-of-Famers on their rosters.
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The pair of Western Conference teams are also in a similar position where they are limited in what they can do to upgrade the roster for 2024-25. A recent report suggested that improving the center spot will be a priority for the Lakers this summer. And after trading Deandre Ayton this time last year, the Suns are likely to be doing the same with Jusuf Nurkic not proving to be enough of a difference maker in the front court.
Both organizations might be in luck because an interesting option has hit the trade block. On Friday, Yahoo Sports NBA insider Jake Fisher reported that the Milwaukee Bucks “are open to reshaping their roster, and they are gauging the trade value for Brook Lopez.”
Brook Lopez stats (2023-24): 12.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.6 APG, 37% 3PT
How a Brook Lopez trade to the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns might look
Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports
Lopez would certainly be a notable upgrade over the centers the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns had in 2023-24 due to his pedigree as a winning player who helped the Bucks win a championship several years ago. Another pro in trading for the one-time All-Star is that he is signed for only one more season and would free up both teams if the move does not work out.
Since the 36-year-old makes just over $23 million next season, to make the money work a trade for the Lakers would probably send Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and a future second-round pick to Milwaukee for Lopez and forward MarJon Beauchamp.
As for the Suns, they could land Lopez and Beauchamp in exchange for Nurkic, Nassir Little, and a future second-round pick. Essentially it would be a deal to swap centers and see if they can get better results in different systems.
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Publish date : 2024-06-22 17:25:54
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