After spending seven seasons in Milwaukee, center Brook Lopez is headed back to Los Angeles, having agreed to sign a two-year, $18MM contract with the Clippers, sources tell ESPN’s Shams Charania (Twitter link).
The Clippers were known to be in the market for a reliable veteran big man to back up Most Improved Player runner-up Ivica Zubac. Based on the terms, it looks like they’ll be using a majority of the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to add Lopez.
Using the non-taxpayer mid-level will trigger a first-apron hard cap for the Clippers, who are about $8MM below that threshold, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks (Twitter link). The club should also still have more than $5MM of its mid-level remaining, notes cap expert Yossi Gozlan (Twitter link).
Lopez had one of his better shooting seasons for the Bucks this year, hitting 37.3% of his 4.7 three-point attempts per night. However, his overall production was slightly down in terms of rebounding and rim protection as the Bucks dealt with a litany of injuries and chemistry issues.
The 37-year-old big man will slot in next to newly retained Nicolas Batum to form a heady, skilled defensive bench pairing. The center duo of Zubac and Lopez should provide the Clippers with a solid defensive anchor at all times, while Lopez will give the club a different look offensively than Zubac, who has made one three-pointer since entering the NBA in 2016.
The Bucks agreed to re-sign Bobby Portis yesterday and reached a new deal with Kevin Porter Jr. earlier today, but the loss of Lopez raises more questions about the direction of a team that will already be without its second star in Damian Lillard, who will miss most or all of 2025/26 with an Achilles tear.
Brook Lopez and Zubac is a nasty 1-2 combo can’t lie but I have no faith in the clippers so there is that
There goes the hope of a shooting big man for the Dubs.
Vuch?
Dunleavy says no. He wants a big man who can play defense. There is no way for the Warriors to trade for him.
Not true at all. Plenty of ways. Running it back with Draymond at the 5 and Kuminga on the roster does absolutely nothing for Steph and the Warriors.
How do the Warriors trade for Vucevic? It is impossible. They do need a vet. But, they are happy with Post.
Post and Vucevic are about teh same player
What? My God…Post isn’t anywhere near Vuch. You kidding me? Look up his career stats and shooting splits and anything else you can get your hands on. Been doing it a while. Questing Post, seriously. Go with Post and old man Al then. Good luck.
Did you know Post was a rookie last season? Explain how the Warriors could trade for Vucevic?
As is Sengun, Adams, Capella but a treesome. That alot of muscle, plenty of fouls to give. Fantastic screen setters and board crashers Adams and Capella.
Damn…Who is left for the Warriors?
Horford, Vucevic…. Myles Turner??!
RIP Davey.
Warriors need youth. And at a great price. Steph and Jimmy eat up the payroll. Price of business. The dubs will be good no doubt, it’s that playoff stretch they learned that wore then all down. That’s the hump. Staying young and healthy. Lopez too old.
The warriors are crumbling. They have an old top heavy roster that’s not going anywhere.
Horford isn’t a great idea. Needs to be a limit to what you’re willing to pay at his age. For the right price, sure, go for it. Average starter’s age would definitely be a worry over 82 games.
But I thought the Lakers were getting all of these centers? lol
Ayton still available
Ayton rather play for warriors
OK for what? Did Ayton tell you that.
2 year 18 mill is a decent deal for Brook. Comes home to retire. This is a good move for Clippers. Gives them nice depth at C.
He’s not from LA. But, he is closer.
From a contender to a team that won’t ever win….
The Bucks weren’t a contender lol.
Keep your eye on Mo Wagner.
Gets to be by a Disney.
Oh-ho NIIIIIYYYYYSSS, Clippers!
I’m not a fan of his at all
So, ONCE AGAIN, every free agent hates Steve Kerr and does not want to play under him. WHEN will GSW move on from this cancer???
He got his ring. Now he wants a nice 10-15m game while enjoying LA.