The Houston Rockets are very interested in signing Brook Lopez, but the veteran center is “leaning toward” re-signing with the Milwaukee Bucks, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.
Lopez becomes an unrestricted free agent on June 30. Stein is reporting that both Lopez and All-Star small forward Khris Middleton are expected to be back with the Bucks.
“In related news, league sources say that Milwaukee is indeed in a promising position when it comes to re-signing both Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez,” Stein wrote. “My sense is that a new deal for Middleton is all but assured at this point, while word is Lopez — despite Houston’s well-chronicled interest and the presumed threat to a Rockets bid would carry — is likewise leaning toward a Bucks return.”
Lopez averaged 15.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.5 blocks for the Bucks in 78 games this past season while shooting 53.1% from the floor, 37.4% from beyond the arc and 78.4% from the free-throw line. The big man made 136 3-pointers.
The 35-year-old Lopez has career averages of 16.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.8 blocks with the Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and Bucks.
The Bucks hired Adrian Griffin as their new head coach after firing Mike Budenholzer. Middleton and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo met with Griffin during the interview process.
Next season is a big one for the Bucks, who lost to the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in five games. Milwaukee has struggled in the postseason the last two years after winning the championship in 2021 over the Phoenix Suns in six games.
The Rockets have over $60 million in cap space. They have been linked to Fred VanVleet, James Harden, Dillon Brooks, Kyle Kuzma and Cameron Johnson. It’s going to be fascinating to see who Houston lands this summer.
More must-reads: