Giannis Antetokounmpo was not the lone reason that the Milwaukee Bucks were the top seed in the Eastern Conference this past season, as he had a cast of All-Star support around him. That included veteran big man Brook Lopez, who had a breakout year, and is staying put to continue that success. The Bucks are reportedly expected to sign Brook Lopez to a four-year, $52 million deal once the NBA Free Agency Period opens up. This comes just one year after Lopez was a late addition to the Bucks for just $3.4 million.
Lopez proved his worth during Milwaukee's playoff run, helping the Bucks go off for 1,224 three-pointers, this after the big man was just 3-for-21 from three-point range in his first seven NBA seasons. Despite that ratio, he ended up attempting 512 three-pointers and just 274 two-pointers in the 2018-2019 season. The 31-year-old was one of three top free agent centers, along with Al Horford and Nikola Vucevic. He ended up setting career highs for three-pointers made, as well as his three-point percentage of 36.5 percent. Milwaukee is already looked at as an NBA Finals favorite for 2019-2020, and hanging on to this man secures that in the East.
Another key member of the Bucks' run was Khris Middleton, who is also remaining with the Bucks once the free agency period beings. Middleton is expected to re-sign with Milwaukee on a five-year, $178 million contract, according to Woj of ESPN. The first-time All-Star declined his player option earlier this off-season to test the free agent waters, but there wasn't much testing done. It seems as if everyone is on the same page in the Bucks' organization, and that is to not go after any of the big-named free agents, but keep the crew together that fell just short of the NBA Finals this summer.
The 27-year-old was looked at as the No. 2 option on the Bucks' depth chart, behind Antetokounmpo of course, and finished averaging 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game this past season. Although, Middleton's breakout season actually came the season before, even though he didn't make the All-Star team that year, when he averaged 20.1 points 5.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. It definitely caused an uproar when he was left off the All-Star roster, but getting a max contract and contending for a title will definitely sit better with him for the next five years.
Lopez proved his worth during Milwaukee's playoff run, helping the Bucks go off for 1,224 three-pointers, this after the big man was just 3-for-21 from three-point range in his first seven NBA seasons. Despite that ratio, he ended up attempting 512 three-pointers and just 274 two-pointers in the 2018-2019 season. The 31-year-old was one of three top free agent centers, along with Al Horford and Nikola Vucevic. He ended up setting career highs for three-pointers made, as well as his three-point percentage of 36.5 percent. Milwaukee is already looked at as an NBA Finals favorite for 2019-2020, and hanging on to this man secures that in the East.
Another key member of the Bucks' run was Khris Middleton, who is also remaining with the Bucks once the free agency period beings. Middleton is expected to re-sign with Milwaukee on a five-year, $178 million contract, according to Woj of ESPN. The first-time All-Star declined his player option earlier this off-season to test the free agent waters, but there wasn't much testing done. It seems as if everyone is on the same page in the Bucks' organization, and that is to not go after any of the big-named free agents, but keep the crew together that fell just short of the NBA Finals this summer.
The 27-year-old was looked at as the No. 2 option on the Bucks' depth chart, behind Antetokounmpo of course, and finished averaging 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game this past season. Although, Middleton's breakout season actually came the season before, even though he didn't make the All-Star team that year, when he averaged 20.1 points 5.2 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. It definitely caused an uproar when he was left off the All-Star roster, but getting a max contract and contending for a title will definitely sit better with him for the next five years.
