The Houston Rockets almost signed Brook Lopez away from the Milwaukee Bucks this offseason, according to NBA insider Zach Lowe of ESPN.
The Rockets had the most money to spend in free agency and were ready to offer Lopez a massive contract. However, Lopez stayed with the Bucks on a two-year, $48 million deal.
Houston wound up using its cap space on Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green, Jock Landale and Aaron Holiday.
Lopez, who entered the NBA in 2008, averaged 15.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 2.5 blocks for the Bucks in 78 games last 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 NBA 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, who helped Milwaukee win the 2021 championship over the Phoenix Suns in six games.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Brook Lopez, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
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. Milwaukee also recently acquired Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers. Griffin is expected to start Lillard, Pat Connaughton, Middleton, Antetokounmpo and Lopez this season.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Brook Lopez, Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
As for the Rockets, they will look to reach the playoffs this season after making a flurry of moves in free agency. New Houston head coach Ime Udoka will likely start VanVleet, Jalen Green, Brooks, Alperen Şengün and Jabari Smith Jr. in 2023-24.
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