Dec 27, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) slaps hands with forward Bobby Portis (9) during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks have made it pretty well known that they are wanting to get younger and more athletic players for their roster. They certainly have added some intriguing prospects and young talent thus far, selecting AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith in the 2024 NBA Draft. They also have signed Delon Wright and Stanley Umude in free agency.

That being said, none of those moves really move the needle, per say. The Bucks have NBA Championship aspirations in 2024-25 and need to add players that can help them improve their product on the court immediately. Due to the fact that Milwaukee is already in the second apron of the NBA salary cap, they are limited to what free agents they can sign.

Due to these limitations, many have concluded that the Bucks will trade some of their more well-known veterans. Indeed, multiple Bucks players from the NBA Finals run in 2021 are now rumored to be on the trading block.

However, one team insider insinuates that two of these players may actually not be as available for trade as people may think.

The Milwaukee Bucks Brought in an Assistant Coach to Work with Their Current Big Men

May 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) shoots the ball while Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) defends during game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier today, it was reported that Bucks head coach Doc Rivers had finalized his coaching staff. In an article in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, team insider Jim Owczarski wrote of the decision to hire former Philadelphia 76ers assistant Jason Love:

“The plan is for Love to work with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis.”

Of course, Lopez and Portis are two of the players the Bucks are rumored to be willing to trade this offseason. As they do not have many tradable assets, those two players would bring the best return. However, Owczarski’s report makes it sound like Milwaukee is planning on having both players back.

Of course, he also notes that it is “the plan.” As was seen last year with this team, plans can change quickly.

Should the Milwaukee Bucks Trade Brook Lopez and/or Bobby Portis?

Dec 2, 2022; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11), right, and Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
As mentioned, Lopez and Portis are the two players that the Bucks could (or would be willing to) trade that would bring back the best return. While Lopez is a great rim protector, he is not a very versatile defender. Portis is a great scoring threat off of the bench and has finished in the top three of Sixth Man of the Year voting in each of the past two seasons. However, he is not a great defender.

The problem with offloading either one of them is that the Bucks would have to replace the positive traits that each does bring to the court. It is highly unlikely that Milwaukee could trade Portis and get a perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate in return. They also won’t be able to move Lopez and just find another center that can shoot 35% from three and average over two blocks per game.

Milwaukee still has two roster spots to fill, so whether or not they are traded may depend on who else the Bucks are able to sign.

For now, it sounds like the plan is for both of them to return.

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