The Milwaukee Bucks coaching search has come to an end with the hiring of Adrian Griffin. The focus will now shift to the roster of Milwaukee and, more importantly, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez. Brook Lopez‘s name has been mentioned by a few teams as a potential target amid his unrestricted free agency. Can either team actually offer a better Brook Lopez contract than the Bucks?
Houston Rockets Set to Offer Brook Lopez a New Contract?
Sports Illustrated recently reported that the Houston Rockets were set to target Brook Lopez when free agency begins. There are also rumblings about the potential return of James Harden. Houston has the most salary cap space among all NBA teams for the upcoming season. The Rockets could realistically sign both Harden and Lopez to pair with new head coach Ime Udoka and their young backcourt of Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr.
Brook Lopez would provide elite rim protection and floor spacing, the same as he brings to Milwaukee. Lopez’s biggest impact in Houston would be leadership. Houston is the youngest team in the NBA, with an average age of 22.2. Adding a 35-year-old would help guide a young team through the ups and downs of the NBA season. It will be interesting to see if Houston can lure the 7-footer away from Milwaukee. It’s highly unlikely.
A Potential Sign & Trade With the New Orleans Pelicans?
Bleacher Report recently listed one ambitious free agent each team should target. For the Pelicans, that free agent is Brook Lopez. A lot would have to happen for Lopez to find his way to New Orleans. The Pelicans could only offer a Brook Lopez contract with the mid-level exception, which would be a pay cut from the $13 million Lopez made last year. If the Bucks indeed plan to move on from the big man, a sign and trade would be the likely scenario. It could be an opportunity for Milwaukee to get back some of their own draft picks after the Jrue Holiday trade.
Like Houston, New Orleans has a young roster but with much more talent than Houston. New Orleans largest downfall is rim protection. Jonas Valanciunas is a large body but less than half the defender of Brook Lopez. Pairing Zion Williamson alongside Brook Lopez would certainly make an exciting team to watch even more exciting. This scenario is also highly unlikely. As it sits, all signs lead to a new contract for Brook Lopez and the big man returning to Milwaukee.
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