It’s become pretty clear that the Milwaukee Bucks are hoping to retool their roster after several disappointing seasons, but the Philadelphia 76ers should steer clear of a certain trade candidate.
The Bucks are rumored to be trying to land veteran center Brook Lopez in exchange for a first-round pick. While the price is a bit steep, it has little bearing on why Philadelphia’s management should avoid a deal.
Reporter Gery Woelfel reported on the trade rumors, writing: “Sources say 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 on a $23 million contract is too high.”
For starters, the Sixers would have trouble matching his contract, which would lead to complications in a potential deal. The biggest reason avoiding Lopez is crucial stems from the acquisition of center Andre Drummond, who signed a two-year, $10 million deal. Lopez and Drummond share similar playing styles, but they excel slightly in different areas. The former Chicago Bulls center has the edge in rebounding with an average of 9 compared to Lopez’s 5.2. Meanwhile, the Bucks center has an edge in defense with a 111.9 rating to Drummond’s 113.3 and a higher average of blocks. Scoring isn’t a factor in the debate, considering Lopez played roughly 13 more minutes per game last season (30.5-17.1).
If there’s a relatively small skill gap between the two, it doesn’t make sense for Philadelphia to acquire the six-years-older center 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.
