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Why the Brooklyn Nets should trade Brook Lopez

By Liam Gallagher

Apr 1, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) reacts after a three pointer against Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) reacts after a three pointer against Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) reacts during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Brooklyn Nets won 141-118. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) reacts during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center. The Brooklyn Nets won 141-118. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Although Brook Lopez just recently became the Brooklyn Nets’ all time leading scorer, it may be time to deal away the former all-star.

Recently, I saw an article which advocated for keeping Brook Lopez on the Nets indefinitely. The article does make some valid points arguing for Lopez. “Bropez” is the greatest player to ever play for the Brooklyn Nets. He’s possibly one of the greatest Nets to play in either location. He has also adapted well to the signing of Jeremy Lin. In terms of the franchise’s record books, he’s second in games played, first in points, third in rebounds, and first in blocks. By anyone standards, this is quite an illustrious career. Despite his achievements, there are several signs which indicate it is time to part ways with the former Cardinal.

The first reason he should be traded is that his current trade value is at an all-time high. Lopez has put the majority of injury concerns to bed, as he has avoided major injury since the 2013-2014 season. This, combined with his new-found three pointer, has turned the slow, plodding five into an ultimate floor stretcher. His lack of rebounding shouldn’t be a major concern; a side effect of his three point shooting was more time away from the basket, and thus, less rebounds.

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Additionally, even though he is becoming more efficient from behind the arc, he isn’t a great fit for Kenny Atkinson‘s offense. The Brooklyn Nets basically use an Atlanta Hawks-lite style offense. This uses athletic bigmen, such as Al Horford, Paul Millsap, Mike Muscala, and even Dwight Howard. With the exception of Howard, all of these guys can defend multiple positions while simultaneously scorching defenses from the outside. Brook Lopez is very limited in this capacity; he’s not athletic enough to guard power forwards or versatile enough to create his own outside shot.

Finally, Brook Lopez’s age is a major factor. He’s only 29 right now, but will most likely be 33 or 34 by the time the Nets are ready to make a legitimate playoff run. Its hard to justify shelling out big bucks to a guy who isn’t part of the long term future. “Bigs” who fit Lopez’s archetype tend to age very quickly (see: Tim Duncan), and Lopez won’t be worth a large contract when its time for the Nets to make a run. It makes more sense to trade him now rather than let him walk in free agency after next season.

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The Nets will have ample opportunities to replace him this off-season. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him involved in a draft day deal to either Portland or Milwaukee, especially if the Nets think they can grab a center on draft night. Anzejs Pasecniks and Harry Giles project as big-men who could fit Atkinson’s system. It will be interesting to see if the front office pulls the trigger for either one.