Brook Lopez could be on the trading block if the Brooklyn Nets become a lottery team this season.
The Nets are stuck in a difficult situation. Despite adding a handful of veterans to their lineup earlier this summer, the Nets are still not expected to become contenders, which may force the team to slowly rebuild. But with the Nets having very few assets to improve the franchise, they may consider trading Brook Lopez.
Lopez, who has career averages of 18.3 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, while shooting an impressive 51.1 percent from the field, has been the most consistent player for the Nets since getting drafted back in 2008. Lopez, at 28, still fits in any of Brooklyn's plans to rebuild, but eight seasons with the franchise have yet to take him closer to winning a championship.
While the Nets have yet to confirm Lopez's availability, it could be inevitable for Brooklyn to move on from their All-Star center and acquire young talents essential for the team's rebuilding plans. Here are five scenarios the Nets may explore in trading Lopez.
Brook Lopez to Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks are among the teams ready to explore the trade market as they continue to attempt to unload Greg Monroe from their roster, which makes them a perfect trade partner for the Nets. However, a straight up trade of Lopez for Monroe would not make any sense for the Nets, but including a young talent with high potential in Michael Carter-Williams should sweeten up the pot for Brooklyn as suggested by Sports Illustrated's Fansided.
Monroe struggled to fit in Milwaukee last season, but statistically posted solid numbers, averaging 15.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, while Carter-Williams also had some troubles in his first full season with the Bucks, only averaging 11.5 points a night. But playing for Kenny Atkinson who helped orchestrate Jeremy Lin's breakthrough performance in New York, both players could unlock their full potential in Brooklyn.
Monroe and MCW may not be the best acquisition the Nets could have, but adding in future draft picks should make a deal worth considering for the Nets.
Brook Lopez to Chicago Bulls
The last time Brook and Robin Lopez played together as teammates was back in 2005 at Stanford University. Obviously, they never had the chance to team-up in the professional league, but this could be a chance for the Bulls to host a Lopez twins' reunion in Chicago.
It is unclear whether the Bulls would entertain trading for Brook, but after losing Pau Gasol to free agency, Chicago should consider adding a scoring option inside the paint. Adding Brook would give the Bulls an offensive threat, with Robin covering up on the defensive end. It is not the most lethal twin tower combination, but chemistry-wise, such duo should help the Bulls win more games this season.
The Bulls have plenty of young talents to offer should they become interested in trading for Brook Lopez. Denzel Valentine, this year's 14th overall pick, would surely help in the Nets' rebuilding process, as well as any of the likes of Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis. The Bulls also have a 2017 first round draft pick from Sacramento, which they could package if the Nets come up with an interesting offer centered at Brook Lopez.
Brook Lopez to Boston Celtics
Trading Lopez to the Boston Celtics may be the most ideal move the Nets should attempt, considering the future assets the Cs could give in return.
It is no secret the Celtics are still looking to bolster their lineup this season. They were able to sign Al Horford in free agency, but the team has admitted they still want to add another proven star to speed up their journey back to being legit title contenders.
Lopez would be a tremendous boost for the Celtics' title hopes this season. Pairing him with Horford, would allow the latter to flourish at the four spot, which is Horford's natural position and would create a formidable frontcourt that become a threat in the Eastern Conference.
The Celtics have plenty to offer if they are interested in trading for Lopez this season, including Brooklyn's own 2017 and 2018 first-round draft picks. A package of future first-rounders, Terry Rozier or James Young, and Amir Johnson's expiring contract should make it an enticing for the Nets to give up Lopez to the Celtics.
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