NBA Rumors: Giannis’ Bucks Eye New Defensive Strategy amid Brook Lopez Buzz

After a disappointing finish to the 2023-23 season, the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly exploring new strategy ideas that could mean the end of center Brook Lopez’s tenure with the team.

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer reported that there are “rumblings that the Bucks would like to play a more versatile style of defense next season, which raises the question of whether Brook Lopez has a future there.”

The Bucks finished third in the Eastern Conference with a 49-33 record and were bounced out of the playoffs in the first round by the Indiana Pacers. Star players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard both suffered injuries that derailed Milwaukee’s title hopes.

O’Connor named Toronto Raptors veteran wing Bruce Brown as a top trade candidate for the Bucks and noted that swapping Lopez for Brown “is a perfect match of salaries, and then the Raptors could flip Lopez elsewhere.” He added, “The amount of screening and cutting Brown could do in support of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard would be glorious to watch.”

Lopez joined the Bucks in 2018 and has been an anchor on defense for the past six seasons. He earned an All-Defensive second-team selection and was named to the first team in 2023. He also finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting last year behind Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr.

A 16-year veteran, Lopez is still performing at a high level. He appeared in 79 games this season and averaged 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks.

The 36-year-old would be a solid fit for a team looking to contend for a title next season, so he’d likely garner significant interest if the Bucks made him available on the trade market.