May 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) and Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) fight for the ball during game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks are one of the most intriguing teams in the NBA going into 2024-25 season. One the one hand, they are not a rebuilding team because they have a fantastic core of players in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton. On the other hand, they have been unable to advance past the first round of the NBA Playoffs with the role players that they have had on their roster.

With a new head coach in Doc Rivers, the Bucks are looking to become younger and more athletic (especially on defense) while still maintaining their Championship expectations. This not only means that they are looking to the free agent market for more versatile players, but that they are also willing to trade away some of their veterans.

The Milwaukee Bucks Have Expressed Interest in Trading Brook Lopez

Apr 28, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) defends during game four of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Brook Lopez has been a part of the Bucks organization since the 2018-19 season. Since coming to Milwaukee, he has proven to be a reliable defender and one of the best shot blockers in the NBA. He also has emerged as a legitimate three-point shooter.

In six seasons with Milwaukee, Lopez has averages of 13.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 2.2 blocks per game. Of course, he also helped the Bucks win the NBA Championship in 2021. In 2022-23, he finished second in NBA Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Last offseason, Lopez turned down a bigger offer from the Houston Rockets to return to Milwaukee in free agency. Now that he is in the final year of his contract and his age 36 seasons, it seems as though the Bucks believe he is now expendable.

So far, Lopez has been linked to trade talks with the Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and Los Angeles Lakers.

The Milwaukee Bucks Reportedly Have Interest in Free Agent Center Daniel Theis

Apr 14, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore (7) shoots against Los Angeles Clippers center Daniel Theis (10) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
If Lopez is traded, the Bucks will need to fill their starting center position. Currently, the Bucks use Lopez, Giannis, and Bobby Portis at the position. However, both Lopez and Portis are possible trade chips and Giannis plays better as a power forward than as a center.

Even if neither Lopez nor Portis are traded, Milwaukee still needs more athletic front court depth. According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Bucks are one of the teams interested in veteran center Daniel Theis:

Theis is intriguing because, unlike the seven-foot Lopez, he is just six-foot-eight. However, he is faster and more athletic. Theis has come off of the bench of the majority of his career, so he could be convinced to come to Milwaukee as a role player off the bench in the event Lopez is not traded. His height certainly lends some reservations to how he would compete against bigger lineups.

However, he is a more versatile defender, which is what the Bucks want. He also is a decent three-point shooter, having made them at a 36% clip last season.

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