Brook Lopez is having an outstanding, career-year. He is leading the NBA in blocks (2.9 per game). Lopez is also contributing from behind the arc, averaging just under six 3-pt attempts per game and making a career high 2 ½ three pointers a game. And while those key stats point to success, the perception is that he is earning the trust and respect of his teammates. Click here for what current teammate Jrue Holiday has to say.
Even with all the early success, could this be the 34 year old’s last season with the Bucks?
Brook Lopez- A Contract Year
Brook Lopez has joked in the past that he was unaware that he was in the final year of his contract: but he is. Lopez will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. He signed a 4 yr, $52,000,000 deal in 2019 with the Bucks. That was after a “prove it” contract and Lopez taking time to fit into the Budenholzer system.
Lopez came to the Bucks in 2018, signing a one year 3.3 million dollar deal.
His biggest contract was a 3yr, 63 million dollar deal he signed in 2015 with Brooklyn.
What type of deal could Lopez get at the end of the season?
The Financial Future and Market
What current players could Lopez be compared to and what can fans expect? Chris Boucher of Toronto? Wendell Carter Jr. of Orlando? Deandre Ayton of the Suns? Joel Embiid?
For Lopez it is hard to say. He has a unique fit with Giannis and Portis that works. To say Lopez is a “top five” center in the NBA is a stretch, but to say he is a “top ten” center is not.
From a financial perspective Lopez is the 17th highest paid center right now in the NBA. The tenth highest paid center, Al Horford makes $27,000,000 a year. If (and when) Lopez continues to play like he has he certainly should expect a pay increase. A one year deal with a player option for $50,000,000 certainly feels like a possibility. Then again, I’m not his agent. I’m just someone analyzing a market.
Follow me on Twitter at @authorrudylb and check out my other writings at www.rudylb.com. Follow us at @WiSportsHeroics! For all things Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
