Bucks Open to Trading Brook Lopez, But With High Asking Price, per Report

With a high salary and Milwaukee's high asking price, Lopez is no closer to getting traded.
May 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defends during game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defends during game six of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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The Milwaukee Bucks are listening to calls for 36-year-old center Brook Lopez, according to a report from longtime Bucks writer Gery Woelfel, but the asking price for the veteran remains a first-round pick.

Rival teams who are interested in acquiring Lopez believe that the asking price is too high for Lopez, especially when considering his price tag for next season of $23 million and the effects of the salary on opposing teams' cap space with the new CBA.

Lopez is undoubtedly still a very good center with championship pedigree, and can step right in and help a contender immediately. The 16-year vet averaged 12.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in 79 contests this season on 48.5% shooting from the floor and a 36.6% mark from three.

The Bucks would certainly gain some salary cap relief by moving Lopez, but if he remains on the roster, he should provide the team with valuable minutes if the franchise believes it's in position to contend with a healthy Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo.


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Mike McDaniel
MIKE MCDANIEL

Mike McDaniel is a staff writer on the Breaking and Trending News team at Sports Illustrated, where he has worked since January 2022. His work has been featured at InsideTheACC.com, SB Nation, FanSided and more. McDaniel hosts the Hokie Hangover Podcast, covering Virginia Tech athletics, as well as Basketball Conference: The ACC Football Podcast. Outside of work, he is a husband and father, and an avid golfer.