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Fact or fiction: 11 trade targets for Milwaukee Bucks to replace Brook Lopez

By Brian Sampson

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 17: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks walks to the bench prior to a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum on November 17, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 17: Brook Lopez #11 of the Milwaukee Bucks walks to the bench prior to a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Fiserv Forum on November 17, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 22: Robin Lopez #33 of the Orlando Magic reacts after a call during the second half of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on November 22, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bucks defeated the Magic 123-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – NOVEMBER 22: Robin Lopez #33 of the Orlando Magic reacts after a call during the second half of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on November 22, 2021 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bucks defeated the Magic 123-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

The Milwaukee Bucks received horrible news at the beginning of the month when it was announced Brook Lopez underwent back surgery and will be out “indefinitely.”

Lopez played in the season-opener against the Brooklyn Nets, but hasn’t been seen in a game since. The Bucks have been oddly non-descriptive about his injury, failing to give it a label or a timetable for a return. In a conversation with Shams Charania last week, Lopez said he’s on target to return, but that is obviously not the case.

Zach Lowe reported on his podcast that the belief is Lopez should be able to return before a playoff run. Milwaukee was worried enough that they signed DeMarcus Cousins to fill some of Lopez’ minutes. Still, there’s a lot that could happen between now and April when the playoffs begin so let’s check out 11 potential trade targets the Bucks could look into if they want/need to replace Lopez for a deep playoff run. For clarity’s sake, a fiction verdict means a deal would be very hard to make and a fact verdict means there’s a potential structure in place for a deal (not that the Bucks are likely or will trade for that player).

If the Milwaukee Bucks want to replace Brook Lopez via a trade, let’s take a look at these 11 candidates to see how likely a deal would be.

Fact or fiction: Robin Lopez

Robin Lopez fittingly gets his own spot on this list considering his relationship to Brook and spot in the heart of Bucks’ fans.

Lopez is currently a member of the rebuilding Orlando Magic which means they might not have a need or spot for him as the season progresses. Orlando is trying to develop Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr. at center which has led to Lopez only appearing in eight games this year.

Since he signed with them in the offseason, he can’t be traded until December 14th. However, the Bucks will probably wait to see if he’s bought out closer to the trade deadline and make their move that way instead of giving up assets for his services via a trade.

Verdict: Fiction

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