Milwaukee's plan for Brook Lopez makes no sense

The Milwaukee Bucks are open to trading veteran center Brook Lopez in return for a first-round draft pick, according to columnist and reporter Gery Woelfel of Woelfel's Press Box.

Lopez has one more year on his current contract, worth $23 million . Last season, he showed significant signs of decline. Lopez is still a high-level rim protector and can space the floor due to his three-point shot. However, his limited hip flexibility and foot speed make him a target to be beaten off the dribble, especially when playing at the level of the screen.

The Bucks don't have another high-level big man. Lopez is still their starter. Getting a first-round draft pick in return for an aging veteran on an overpriced contract is wishful thinking. More importantly, Lopez's exit would leave Milwaukee short-handed. The front office stood pat at the start of free agency. Most of the impactful bigs have now been snapped up by other teams around the NBA.

If Milwaukee plans to move forward without Lopez, it should have begun making moves earlier. Regardless of his inevitable decline, trading away its best big man would leave them short in a key position. Furthermore, it needs the trade assets to bring in a legitimate replacement.

Milwaukee's offseason strategy has been questionable at best. Currently, Taurean Prince is its only addition. Doc Rivers is expected to ensure the Bucks are a contending team next season. He will be judged on their success due to the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. Yet, the Bucks supporting cast projects to be a significant issue.

Lopez can't simply be traded. He must be replaced. If Milwaukee is unable to find a suitable plug-and-play center for the upcoming season, it should wait until next summer before looking to fix its issues in the middle of the court. Right now, its strategy needs to be revised. Lopez, however limited he may be, is still too important to lose without something coming back in return.