This Milwaukee Bucks are one of the most intriguing teams in the NBA heading into the 2024-25 season. On one hand, they’re not a rebuilding team, as they have a fantastic core of players in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton. On the other hand, they failed to make it past the first round of the NBA Playoffs with the reserves they had in their lineup.
With novel coach Doc Rivers in place, the Bucks are looking to get younger and more athletic (especially on defense) while maintaining their championship expectations. That means not only are they looking in the free agent market for more versatile players, but they’re also willing to give up some of their veterans.
Milwaukee Bucks have expressed interest in trading Brook Lopez
Brook Lopez has been a part of the Bucks organization since the 2018-19 season. Since coming to Milwaukee, he has proven to be a reliable defender and one of the best shot-blockers in the NBA, while also becoming a legitimate three-point shooter.
In six seasons in Milwaukee, Lopez averaged 13.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.2 blocks per game. Of course, he also helped the Bucks win the 2021 NBA championship. He finished second in voting for NBA Defensive Player of the Year in 2022-23.
Last offseason, Lopez turned down a larger offer from the Houston Rockets to return to Milwaukee in free agency. Now that he’s in the final year of his contract and has 36 seasons to go, it seems the Bucks feel he’s no longer expendable.
So far, Lopez has been linked to trade talks with the Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers.
The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly interested in free agent center Daniel Theis.
If Lopez is traded, the Bucks will need to fill the center position. The Bucks currently exploit Lopez, Giannis and Bobby Portis at that position. However, both Lopez and Portis are possible trades, and Giannis plays better as a power forward than a center.
Even if neither Lopez nor Portis are traded, Milwaukee still needs more depth up front. According to Kelly Iko of AthleticsThe Bucks are one of the teams interested in veteran center Daniel Theis:
Free agent center Daniel Theis has drawn interest from several teams, including the Grizzlies, Pelicans and Bucks, sources say @TheAthletic.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) July 2, 2024
Theis is intriguing because, unlike the 7-foot Lopez, he’s only 6-foot-8. But he’s faster and more athletic. Theis has been a bench player for most of his career, so he could be persuaded to come to Milwaukee as a bench player if Lopez isn’t traded. His size certainly raises some questions about how he’ll compete against bigger lineups.
But he’s a more versatile defender, which is what the Bucks want. He’s also a decent three-point shooter, hitting 36 percent last season.
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