The Houston Rockets thought they had a “strong chance” to sign Brook Lopez in free agency, according to NBA insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
The Rockets had the most money to spend in free agency this summer. However, Lopez stayed with the Milwaukee Bucks on a two-year, $48 million contract. Houston wound up using its cap space on Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green, Jock Landale and Aaron Holiday.
“Houston thought they really had a strong chance to get Lopez,” Scotto said. “Brooks ended up getting more money. Jeff Green originally agreed to a one-year, $6 million deal. Then, once the Lopez talks fell through, there was a follow-up conversation after the initial agreement and a scenario where it was pitched that he could do a longer deal (two years, $16 million), and that’s how he ended up getting a little bit more money on the front end.”
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 Lakers were also interested in signing Lopez.
The Bucks hired Adrian Griffin as their new head coach after firing Mike Budenholzer. Khris Middleton and 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 NBA championship in 2021 over the Phoenix Suns in six games.
Antetokounmpo loves playing with Middleton and Lopez, so it made sense for the Bucks to keep Giannis happy by re-signing his pals. It will be interesting to see how Milwaukee does next season with a first-year head coach.
As for the Rockets, they will look to make the NBA playoffs next season after making a flurry of moves in free agency.
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