Brook Lopez is entering the last year of his two-year, $48 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Future Uncertain for Lopez
Lopez will become a free agent next summer unless he extends his stay with the Bucks. The team might wait to see how he performs this season before making any decisions, especially since he seemed slower during the 2023-24 season. Last year’s struggles sparked trade rumors, but ESPN’s Brian Windhorst says the Bucks have no intention of trading him.
โAs of right now, Iโve been told firmly that they are not trading him,โ Windhorst said on “The Hoop Collective” podcast. โAnd so is Brook. Brook heard some of the rumors and said, โHey, whatโs going on?โ Theyโre like, โNo, weโre not trading you.’โ
Bucks’ Commitment to Lopez
In a July interview with The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Milwaukee GM Jon Horst confirmed Lopez’s importance to the team. When playing well, he’s one of the best defenders and can also score from long range.
“I typically donโt talk about any of this stuff with the media,” Horst said. “But I will say because Brook is so core to who we are, we have zero intentions of trading Brook… Brook has been and will continue to be core to who we are.”
Fans love seeing loyalty like this!
Lopez’s Role Moving Forward
At 36 years old, Lopez might soon need to accept a bench role if he wants to keep playing in the NBA. The Bucks have built their defense around him in recent years. Doc Rivers might try to reduce that burden as he aims for another championship run.
Milwaukee plans to keep Lopez for now; however, if he can’t keep up this season, it could be his last with them.
