Bucks Lose $18 Million Starter to Clippers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Dibyendu Mondal | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 7:33 AM ET

The Milwaukee Bucks are trying to rebuild their team with Giannis Antetokounmpo at the center in free agency. But on Monday, they were dealt a blow when Brook Lopez was poached by the Clippers.

Free agent center Lopez has agreed to a two‑year, $18 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, per Shams Charania.

The 37‑year‑old Bucks starter, a key piece in Milwaukee’s 2021 championship run, chose Los Angeles over other suitors, notably the Lakers, who had expressed interest in him.

Lopez’s decision highlights the Clippers’ effective use of their full $14.1 million non‑taxpayer mid‑level exception. They had room to land him and effectively blocked the Lakers alongside Lopez’s former team.

Charania notes the Bucks, having re-signed Bobby Portis, made Lopez expendable, leaving him to return home to California, where he’ll serve as backup to Ivica Zubac.

During his seven seasons in Milwaukee, Lopez averaged 13 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.1 blocks in the regular season, earning recognition as a two‑time All‑Defensive Team member and finishing runner-up in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2023.

His veteran presence and three-point shooting stretched lineups on both ends of the floor.

Free agent center Brook Lopez has agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal with the Los Angeles Clippers, sources tell ESPN. Clippers and Lopez's agents at Wasserman negotiate a new deal for the 2021 Bucks champion to exit Milwaukee and land in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/vmxiXtoGqu
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2025

For the Bucks, losing Lopez, a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year and a steady veteran, marks the end of another chapter in their post-championship transition. With Giannis still anchoring the roster, Milwaukee is pivoting toward younger talent.

Meanwhile, the Clippers upgrade their frontcourt depth, and the Lakers get left empty‑handed in their chase. The latter also missed out on Clint Capela, who has agreed to a deal with the Houston Rockets.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: