The Milwaukee Bucks have made some big moves this offseason, but one move was entirely out of their control.
The Bucks have arguably made the most noise in the NBA in this free agency period, with the signing of Myles Turner and the waiving and stretching of Damian Lillard stealing headlines. While those massive moves happened on the second day of free agency, the first day saw the Bucks get some unfortunate news.
Although the writing had been on the walls for quite some time, it was still a disappointment for the Bucks to see Brook Lopez agree to a two-year, $18 million deal with the LA Clippers. Lopez had been the team’s starting center for the past seven seasons and was a massive part of the team winning a championship in 2021.
While Lopez leaving was always a possibility, him choosing the Clippers gave the Bucks at least some hope for compensation. Considering the Clippers’ financial situation, there was a chance that the Bucks could receive something in a sign-and-trade.
However, with the Clippers making Lopez’s signing official on Sunday, The Athletic’s Fred Katz confirmed that this meant that the Clippers are using the mid-level exception to bring in Lopez, leaving the Bucks with nothing to show for their former big man.
While any potential return likely wouldn’t have meant much for Milwaukee, any player they could take a chance on might make a difference. With Lopez now officially back on the West Coast, the Bucks can again set their sights on the rest of the free agent market in hopes of finding the perfect pieces to throw around Giannis Antetokounmpo.
