2019 NBA free agency tracker: Grades for every deal so far
Brook Lopez: 4 years, $52 million (Milwaukee Bucks)
Once free agency opens at 6 PM ET, Brook Lopez is planning to sign a four-year, $52M deal to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019
Giannis Antetokounmpo was the driving force behind the Milwaukee Bucks. Khris Middleton was his righthand man, Eric Bledsoe had a terrific year as a stifling defender and Malcolm Brogdon joined the 50-40-90 club. Brook Lopez, however, was as important to their success as anyone, spreading the floor to 3-point range as one of the NBA’s best bargain contracts.
Averaging 12.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game, Lopez was a main part of the Bucks’ interior defense. His 36.5 percent shooting from 3-point range on a whopping 6.3 attempts per game helped spread the floor and bolstered Milwaukee’s vaunted long range attack.
While the Bucks eventually dipped out with their free agents when it came time to pony up for Malcolm Brogdon, Lopez may have been even harder to replace. It’s a hearty investment in a seven-footer who will be 34 years old in his final season under contract, but a worthwhile one to keep Milwaukee’s window for contention wide open.
Grade: C+