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.
