Bucks Pushing to Land $133 Million Center After Recent Departure

The Milwaukee Bucks are pressing hard to land a veteran center after Brook Lopez signed with the LA Clippers this Monday, leaving a void in their frontcourt. 

With Lopez off the market, the Bucks are pivoting toward DeAndre Ayton, the former No. 1 overall pick. The Portland Trail Blazers recently bought out the last year of his $133 million deal, inked in 2022.

In the last 48 hours, Milwaukee has emerged as another team in the mix to add Ayton, who officially became a free agent yesterday after finalizing his buyout.

The Lakers are in pursuit too. They hoped to sign Lopez, but fell short in front of the Clippers. They also lost Clint Capela to the Rockets and, therefore, will be aggressively pursuing Ayton. 

ESPN analyst Bobby Marks predicted Ayton could be Milwaukee-bound. The Bucks’ immediate need at center and his high level of efficiency in the post (14.4 pts, 10.2 reb last season).