Inside The Kings

Kings Secure Game-Changing Big Man From Bucks in Mock Trade

Milwaukee Bucks Center Brook Lopez could be a significant target to alter the landscape and take a pivotal step toward solidifying Sacramento's roster for next season.

Jake Waldrop

Jan 14, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) passes the ball away from Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox (5) passes the ball away from Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports / Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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After wasting no time agreeing to terms with runner-up 6th man of the year Malik Monk for a four-year contract worth up to $78 million, the Sacramento Kings no longer have to worry about filling in the backup guard spot for next season and can focus on acquiring a big man in the upcoming draft or through trades and free agency.

While the Milwaukee Bucks have not openly said that they would trade NBA All-Defensive First Team Brook Lopez, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor recently released an article of ten intriguing trade candidates, noting, "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." At 36 years old and at the end of his contract, the Bucks might let Lopez go, trying to avoid losing him for nothing. 

Brian Sampson of Forbes created a trade that would send Harrison Barnes and Davion Mitchell to the Bucks in exchange for Lopez and Chris Livingston. 

Brook Lopez's defensive prowess could be a game-changer for the Kings. His skills would complement Domantas Sabonis, providing a solid defensive anchor to balance Sabonis' offensive game. This pairing could significantly enhance the Kings' interior defense, effectively addressing one of their key weaknesses from the previous season.

Lopez, standing at 7-feet, averaged 15.9. points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game with Milwaukee last season while shooting 53% from the field and averaging a career-high 37% on three-pointers. He was named NBA All-Defensive First Team and a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. 

Lopez's ability to shoot from deep would provide much-needed spacing for the Kings offense. Allowing dynamic players like De'Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray more room to operate and create plays, potentially making the Kings' offense more versatile and difficult to defend.

But, it's not just his on-court contributions that make him valuable. Lopez brings a wealth of experience and leadership, having been a part of the Bucks' 2021 championship roster. His presence in the locker room can guide and stabilize a relatively young Kings' roster, reassuring the fans and management about the team's future direction.

Acquiring Brook Lopez would not just be a move, but a strategic masterstroke for the Kings. His defensive capabilities and offensive versatility could help Sacramento solidify its position as a playoff contender in the Western Conference next season, instilling a sense of confidence and anticipation in the team's fans and management. 

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Jake Waldrop
JAKE WALDROP

Jake Waldrop is a staff writer for Kings on SI covering the Sacramento Kings.

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