NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
The Milwaukee Bucks are in the midst of an offseason that could very well end up being a turning point for their franchise. While they have a NBA Championship window open for a couple more years (at least), they also are coming off of two consecutive seasons of being sent home in the first round of the Playoffs. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard together for a few more years, the Bucks will be relevant for the foreseeable future. However, they obviously have some work to do on the rest of their roster in order to get back to being championship contenders.
Due to their high salary cap (they are in the second apron), the Bucks cannot sign any free agents to contracts for more than the veteran minimum. They also are limited in the trades that they can make. Due to their cap status, they must match any salary going out with what they bring in. In other words, they cannot create more cap space by trading away an expensive contract for a smaller one.
This means, of course, that Milwaukee may need to part ways with one of their core players if they want to bring in any meaningful talent.
NBA Analyst Suggests the Milwaukee Bucks Trade Brook Lopez to the Memphis Grizzlies for Marcus Smart
May 7, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) tries to dunk against Boston Celtics guard Marcus Smart (36) during the first quarter during game three of the second round for the 2022 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
One of the ways that Milwaukee can best improve is on defense. Trading away Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trailblazers (and Grayson Allen to the Phoenix Suns) for Lillard was the right thing to do, but the trade happened so late in the offseason that the Bucks did not properly plan for not having Holiday’s defense.
Throughout the course of the 2023-24 NBA season, the Bucks were consistently exploited by good three-point shooting teams and athletic big men who could score away from the basket.
Of course, Brook Lopez remained one of the best rim protectors in the NBA; but he struggled to keep up with more athletic centers who do not rely on interior scoring to be effective.
For these reasons, NBA analyst Jake Weinbach suggests that the Bucks could look to trade Lopez for a more versatile defender. He suggests Marcus Smart of the Memphis Grizzlies as a potential trade target:
Brook Lopez should command heavy interest around the league but the Grizzlies, Pelicans, and Magic come to mind first as potential suitors.
Memphis would be interesting since acquiring a center is on their offseason to-do list and the Bucks have admiration for Marcus Smart. https://t.co/bv1yLo3mJJ
— Jake Weinbach (@JWeinbachNBA) June 20, 2024
Smart, the 2021-22 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, would be an instant upgrade defensively, and give the Bucks a player who can guard a variety of different positions.
Will the Milwaukee Bucks Trade Brook Lopez?
Apr 28, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) defends during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
If there is anything that can be said about Bucks general manager Jon Horst, it is that it is nearly impossible to predict what he will do. He came in under the radar last offseason and pulled off the Lillard trade when no one knew the Bucks were even interested.
It is entirely possible that he is shopping Lopez, though if he is, it is doubtful that the media would know about it. That being said, trading Lopez for Smart would make some sense in that it fulfills a definite need that the Bucks have.
However, Lopez is still one of the best shot-blockers in the NBA. His interior defense has, and can continue to, change games. If the Bucks do trade away Lopez, they will need to find another center who can take his place around the rim.
That may prove more difficult than finding a versatile three-and-d wing.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @theotherRobin19 and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!
Mayfield Sports Marketing
Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion. Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker.
Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.
Source link : https://wisportsheroics.com/milwaukee-bucks-news-marcus-smart-brook-lopez-trade-nba-news/
Author :
Publish date : 2024-06-21 16:53:08
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.
