The Bucks have agreed to terms on a new deal for All-Defensive center Brook Lopez, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link), who reports that the free agent big man will return to the team on a two-year, $48MM deal.
There had been rumblings leading up to free agency that the Rockets were preparing a two-year offer in excess of $40MM for Lopez, so the Bucks used their Bird rights to make an aggressive bid for the big man, ensuring that the Defensive Player of the Year runner-up will continue his career in Milwaukee. Charania confirms (via Twitter) that Houston had indeed made a similar offer.
Lopez, 35, has been a huge part of the Bucks’ recent success. After spending the first portion of his career as an old-school post scorer with an aversion to rim protection, he remade his game in Milwaukee, evolving into a 3-and-D center on a perennial title contender. He won his first NBA championship with the club in 2021.
In agreeing to re-sign Lopez and All-Star swingman Khris Middleton, the Bucks have now held onto their two most important free agents this summer. Milwaukee has thus far let two rotation players, reserve point guard Jevon Carter and backup forward Joe Ingles, walk during this free agent window.
Last year for a 58-24 Bucks club — the league’s top overall seed heading into the playoffs — Lopez averaged 15.9 PPG on .531/.374/.784 shooting splits, 6.7 RPG, 2.5 BPG and 1.3 APG. That block rate was third overall for the season.
Yeah!!!!’
Brook Lopez going back to the Milwaukee Bucks is going to open the market up now. The Houston Rockets will turn their attention to Dillon Brooks and Dwight Powell now.
Had to be done!
You absolutely right!!! It had to be done!!!!!!!!!!!! It wasn’t no if an or but about it. Brook Lopez 2 years $48 million is a great deal for him and the Milwaukee Bucks. He’s the perfect compliment to Giannis Antetokounmpo. Getting him and Khris Middleton back was a must. The Milwaukee Bucks are going to be a front runner out East.
Thought they should have let him walk and kept Meyers Leonard, Crowder, and Ingles instead, and used Portis/Giannis/Leonard at the 5
Hopefully their new coach realizes why they lost, and also how they won a couple of years ago
Great. Not a lot of player movement this year. Who’s Houston and aspire spending their money on? I think they have a considerable amount of space left
Trade for Capela and sign Dillion brooks based on the info that’s come out. Plumlee could make a lot of sense too
We’ll take Alpo Sengun for Clint
Probably more like KJ Martin.
Clint is 1 of the best rebounders & 1 of the best defensive 5s in the game. KJ Martin would be a nice piece no doubt but he’s an average starting forward at best. Sengun is closer in value to Clint than KJ
From what I read Atlanta is more interested in dropping that contract to save money. I hear where you’re coming from, but Houston is not trading Sengun.
Hawks saved a boatload of $, now & for yrs to come, in the Collins/Utah trade. I doubt they need to salary dump the whole frontline
Shams reporting a deal is close tyty and Garuda with draft compensation going to Atlanta. Doesn’t mention the return though
For alpha kaba? Luxury tax savings!
Lol there’s a ZERO percent chance Sengun would be dealt for Capela. Not even close.
Trea young and capela for sengun ? Sold
Kidding that’s as bad as capela for sengun straight up
Capela for KJ Martin and a 2nd round pick
Lol aren’t u the guy that said u aren’t high on Sengun?
Sengun has a great offensive game but he’s really limited defensively. That’s why Lopez would’ve work so nicely next to him. I still wouldn’t just give sengun away
I don’t think anybody would suggest they just give him away. The idea was that Houston would get Clint Capela in return
All of those ideas honestly couldn’t be worse.
Ya adding a defensive center and a 2nd team all defense player from last year would be bad for any team especially one that barely won 20 games last year. Some of you would be wise not to post anymore. That’s pointed directly at you isiight
Atlanta Hawks…..Houston Rockets GM on Line 1!
Giannis will be asking out next year or at the latest in 2025.
With Lopez they have 8 players with a payroll of $170M. They need at least 6 more players and with that they will go through the second apron with minimum salary players.
By next year, Holiday, Middleton and Lopez will be well into their 30s. They have no young players coming up behind them and no trade assets to acquire any.
Giannis has just two more years on his contract before he can opt out. He will force himself out before that to have any chance to compete.
MIL needed to do this, as it would have been devastating to lose him. Not sure if they’re even a contender without him.
I figured he would want to stay with Milwaukee. I see Austin Reaves has deal with Lakers as figured both would stay with their teams. Best shot of going to playoffs.
Now whether Rockets find anyone else worth anything. Capella no, Plumlee no, Brooks no. They will not trade Sengun. Will KJ get them something, Tate or someone else maybe Christopher, TyTy. I do not see these as part of future with Rockets. Garuba as well. But figured that Lopez and Reaves stay with their teams.
Plumlee fits what they need. He has pretty much no offensive game but he can be that defensive anchor. Also brooks is a good get he brings toughness and D. Just have to write something into his contract to keep his mouth shut
Brook is a good guy. Bucks can just run it back. Healthy they are the team to beat. They should be motivated next yr. Only have a few shots with this group.
Go get ‘em Brook.