The Milwaukee Bucks have picked things up since their horrid start. Even after losing to the Atlanta Hawks the other night, they’re at 11-10, good for the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.
As of now, the Bucks have steadied themselves well enough that they don’t have to do anything drastic. That could change if their winning percentage stays the same around January.
If they decide to make some moves, like trading Brook Lopez, the Los Angeles Lakers are an option.
Jake Fischer reported on Bleacher Report that the Lakers have their eyes on Lopez and Washington Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas. The latter isn’t trade-eligible until December 15 because teams can’t trade unrestricted free agents they signed until that day. However, when it does, it may not be too long before he’s on a new team.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks said on NBA Today to “Keep an eye on” Valanciunas when the December 15 date rolls around, as he believes the Lakers may then trade him.
He even outlined that the Lakers could trade Gabe Vincent for Valanciunas straight-up.
The potential consequences for the Bucks if the Lakers get Valanciunas
If the Lakers opt for Valanciunas, who is much cheaper than Lopez, that takes a potential Lopez suitor out of the running. What could make it worse is that if that’s all it takes to get Valanciunas from the Wizards, that might set the market for the Bucks if they decide to trade Lopez.
Lopez is a floor spacer and rim protector, making him more valuable than Valanciunas. However, he is paid substantially more, and his contract expires after this season. Those two factors hinder his value.
With the Bucks on a tear lately, they don’t have to consider this for now. However, if they make Lopez available and the Lakers acquire Valanciunas, that could prove to be a problem if they’re trying to improve the team.
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