Why Sixers should steer clear of this veteran trade candidate

It has become quite clear the Milwaukee Bucks are hoping to shake up their roster after multiple disappointing seasons, but the Philadelphia 76ers need to steer clear of a certain trade candidate.

The Bucks are rumored to be shopping veteran center Brook Lopez at the price of a first-round pick. While the price is a bit steep, it has little relation to why Philadelphia’s front office should avoid a deal.

Reporter Gery Woelfel reported on the trade rumors, writing, “Sources claim the Bucks are still very receptive to trading veteran Brook Lopez, but the Bucks’ asking price of a first-round draft pick for a 36-year-old center with a $23M contract is too rich.”

For starters, the Sixers would struggle to match his contract, leading to complications in a potential deal. The main reason avoiding Lopez is crucial comes from the acquisition of center Andre Drummond, who signed on a two-year, $10 million contract. Lopez and Drummond share similar play styles but slightly excel in different areas. The former Chicago Bulls center holds the advantage in rebounding with an average of 9 compared to Lopez’s 5.2. Meanwhile, the Bucks big man has an upper hand on defense with a rating of 111.9 to Drummond’s 113.3 and a higher average of blocks. Scoring is a non-factor in the debate, considering Lopez played roughly 13 minutes more per game last season (30.5–17.1). 

If there is a relatively minor skill gap between the two, it makes no sense for Philadelphia to acquire the center six years older on a bigger contract. However, this doesn’t mean the Sixers should avoid the Bucks entirely, as acquiring Lopez’s backup, Bobby Portis, could be the perfect power forward for their rotation.

Source link : https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/why-sixers-should-steer-clear-veteran-trade-candidate/d013dd58cdf1650dfcf04006

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Publish date : 2024-07-06 14:12:14

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