Rumors are swirling around the New York Knicks’ need for a center, with a new mock trade suggesting a former All-Star big man could elevate the team in the 2024-25 season. David Vertsberger of SNY, via Yahoo Sports, proposed that the Knicks trade Miles McBride and Precious Achiuwa for Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez, stating:
“Similar to the Capela deal, the Knicks can target Lopez, another center whose skills compensate for losing Hartenstein. Unlike Capela, Lopez offers a new dynamic at the five position that New York hasn’t seen before,” Vertsberger wrote.
“Despite being 36, Lopez remains a solid defender. While his rebound stats are modest, he excels at boxing out to create opportunities for teammates.”
Knicks could strengthen both offense and defense by trading for Brook Lopez
While Lopez has never been a standout rebounder for his size, the 7-foot-1 center could significantly boost the Knicks’ offensive and defensive capabilities. The California native is one of the top catch-and-shoot three-point shooters at his position, hitting 37 percent from beyond the arc over the last two seasons and comfortably launching from 25-27 feet out.
Defensively, Lopez was second in Defensive Player of the Year voting at the end of the 2022-23 season and made the All-Defensive First Team that year. Over his last two seasons in Milwaukee, he averaged 2.45 blocks per game and held his own in pick-and-roll situations and against smaller playmakers.
Knicks sacrifice defense and shooting for the same in mock Lopez deal
Lopez epitomizes the three-and-D center, allowing the Knicks to play five out and having the potential to decisively impact playoff games. His three performances of 25-plus points in the last two postseasons demonstrate this. Trading McBride and Achiuwa for Lopez, who will turn 37 during the next NBA season, might seem costly, especially since McBride was the Knicks’ second-best perimeter defender last season.
However, Lopez’s experience, proficiency on both ends, and scoring talent could be the decisive factor in overcoming the formidable Eastern Conference rivals and capturing the Larry O’Brien trophy in 2024-25.