Very few things in this world are irreplaceable. Even most people are replaceable. Surprisingly enough, that even goes for NBA players.
Sure, an NBA player could be replaceable in a given moment. That moment will pass. NBA players age. Eventually, they’ll need to be replaced. This holds true for even the best players in the world.
Soon enough, the Milwaukee Bucks will have to replace Brook Lopez. It may be hard to believe. Lopez just wrapped up arguably the best season of his career. He’s an elite rim protector who spaces the floor. Still, Lopez is aging. In time, he’ll need to be replaced. Could the Bucks replace him by acquiring Myles Turner from the Indiana Pacers?
The Trade Proposal
Indiana Pacers Receive: F/C Bobby Portis, G/F Grayson Allen, G/F MarJon Beauchamp, 2028 First-Round Pick (Swap – MIL), 2029 First-Round Pick (MIL)
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: C Myles Turner
Meanwhile, it’s surreal to think that Lopez may have just had the best year of his career. This is a 35-year-old. Lopez used to be a featured weapon in an NBA offense. Are we really sure about what we’re saying?
Yes. It may be a bold claim. We believe that it’s true. Lopez has had more impact on winning NBA games in his lower usage role. Sure, he used to score more points per game. It doesn’t matter. Lopez has become a championship-caliber starter as an elite 3-and-D specialist.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
With all of that in mind – how could we say that Lopez should be replaced? Well, it bears repeating: this man is 35. If he maintains this level of production next year, we’ll be impressed. If he maintains it for two more years, it’ll be a miracle. Still, this begs its own question: Should the Bucks replace him while he’s still at this level?
Why The Milwaukee Bucks Do The Deal
What more can we say? The Bucks do this deal to replace Lopez. They’ve obviously struck on something that works. Antetokoumnpo is maximized with a stretch big man alongside him offensively. He’s also best defensively when he can roam alongside a primary rim protector.
Turner is both of those things. In fact, he and Lopez are among the most similar players in the NBA. Yet, even if the Bucks lost Antetokoumnpo down the line, a player like Turner can fit alongside anyone. In the short term, the Bucks could entertain jumbo lineups with Turner at the 4, Antetokoumnpo at the 3, and Khris Middleton at the 2. With Jrue Holiday at the point of attack, that is, frankly, terrifying.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Meanwhile, this is a cost worth paying for the Bucks. Turner replaces Portis instantly. Pat Connaughton renders Allen expendable. Beauchamp has potential, but he’s not ready to contribute to a title run. Should the Pacers want him?
Why The Indiana Pacers Do The Deal
Absolutely. The Pacers shouldn’t be thinking about championship formulas yet. They don’t have one. This team is somewhere between rebuilding and competing. Here, we’ve got them picking a direction.
With that context in mind, Beauchamp is a great acquisition. He looks like the type of two-way wing every contender needs. In time, he can be part of a young core featuring Tyrese Haliburton, Benedict Mathurin, and Jarace Walker. That would give the Pacers a bright future.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
So would adding some draft capital. An unprotected first and a swap should be market value for a quality starter like Turner when coupled with Beauchamp. If Indiana wants to rebuild, this is a good move for them. Ideally, they won’t have to replace anyone for a long time to come.
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