Brook Lopez is coming off of a career year. He anchored a defense that was the best in the league and he was the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year behind Jaren Jackson Jr. Lopez is set to be an unrestricted free agent and while the reports are that the Milwaukee Bucks want him back, he is attracting interest from other teams as well. The Houston Rockets are reportedly ready to aggressively pursue Brook Lopez.
Houston Rockets To Pursue Brook Lopez
The Rockets have a ton of cap space to spend this offseason. According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Lopez is one of many free agents on the radar for Houston. New head coach Ime Udoka is a defensive-minded coach so it is not surprising to see the team target Lopez and Dillon Brooks. Lopez would be able to teach some of the young players how to play great defense and hopefully raise the floor of that team. The question is will Lopez actually want to go to Houston?
Rebuilding Vs. Competing For Championships
The Bucks will be one of the favorites for the title next season. The Rockets not so much. While Houston may be able to pay Lopez the most, he will be on a team that is simply looking to get out of the basement of the league. It all depends on what he wants at age 35. Most players once they reach the twilight of their career try and chase rings. I could easily see Lopez choosing the Bucks simply because of the ability to win a championship. This will not stop teams from pursuing but all indications are pointing towards the Bucks also trying aggressively to retain him.
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It would be weird to see Brook Lopez in a Houston Rockets uniform. Teams with cap space always try and make the big splash signings and Houston needs some veterans for their young team. As the Bucks retool, it will be interesting to see the moves they make in the offseason.
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