The Milwaukee Bucks took a massive step towards fortifying their roster for the season ahead. They wasted little time securing the services of Khris Middleton to a new deal that will see him stay in Milwaukee through 2026. This development was definitely a huge relief for Bucks fans who were fearing the possibility of Middleton’s potential exit.
Milwaukee supporters, however, are still on edge when it comes to their other big-name free agent in Brook Lopez. The 35-year-old has yet to agree a new deal with the Bucks as he headlines a dwindling list of big-time free agents that are still available on the market.
Bucks Go 1-For-2 On Opening Night of NBA Free Agency
In terms of hierarchy, you could probably say that Middleton was priority No. 1 for the Bucks in free agency. You would think that Brook Lopez was a close second, which makes you wonder why it’s taking so long for both parties to strike a deal.
It is worth noting that the Houston Rockets have emerged as a real threat to the Bucks on the Brook Lopez front, with the Western Conference side reportedly willing to go north of $40 million for a two-year deal for the two-time All-Defensive center. That’s a whole lot of money, which in reality, could price the Bucks out of the race. Then again, Houston did splash the cash on Fred VanVleet via a massive $130 million, three-year contract. The Rockets have a ton of salary cap available but with FVV eating up a big chunk of the same, perhaps their hot pursuit for Brook Lopez cools down a bit.
Lakers Duo Headlines List Of Still-Available Free Agents After Day 1
Apart from Brook Lopez, there are a few other big names that are still out there. Leading the pack are the Los Angeles Lakers’ backcourt duo of Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell. Much like Lopez’s situation with the Bucks, the general expectation for both Reaves and D-Lo is that they re-sign with their current team. However, this might not be as straightforward as Lakers fans would have hoped for, with a few other teams also looking to poach these two high-profile guards.
A couple of other former backcourt players for the Lakers are still also unsigned. Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley, ironically, are both unrestricted free agents and currently, still teamless. Grant Williams of the Boston Celtics is also waiting for the right time to sign a new deal.
It is also worth noting that Jae Crowder is still on the market after a disappointing campaign with the Bucks last season. A couple of other former Milwaukee players are also still available in free agency in Donte DiVincenzo and Christian Wood.
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