2 Pros, 1 Con of Miami Heat pursuing Milwaukee Bucks star

Mar 28, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA;  Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) slaps hands with forward Khris Middleton (22) and center Brook Lopez (11) after a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) slaps hands with forward Khris Middleton (22) and center Brook Lopez (11) after a play against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports | Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
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Cons: Defensive limitations, age, trade package

Although Lopez can be a plus offensively when he finds a rhythm, Lopez has a lot of limitations defensively given his lack of athleticism. When Lopez is on the court, it's almost essential to play drop coverage with Lopez being unable to switch and guard on the perimeter. If defenders are unable to fight over screens and stay attached, stars and elite scorers can have their way and have big nights if their shot is falling.

Lopez also turned 36 in April and will be 37 when the postseason comes around. Although Lopez has shown he can still have nights where he can be effective offensively and had 20 or more points in three out of the six games against the Indiana Pacers, it's fair to wonder how productive Lopez can be for an entire year as he enters his 17th season.

Acquiring Lopez would also be tricky for Miami. With Lopez at $23 million for the year, the only players that are close to the salary Lopez makes are Duncan Robinson at $19.4 million and Terry Rozier at $24.9 million. A Rozier-Lopez swap would work, but that doesn't make much sense for either side. Multiple teams would likely have to get involved, and the players Miami would possibly have to send out can make the situation complex.

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