Bucks Free Agency: Milwaukee eyes French big as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s new frontcourt partner amid Brook Lopez rumors

With NBA free agency opening Monday, the Milwaukee Bucks are preparing for the likely departure of center Brook Lopez. On Sunday’s edition of The Stein Line, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that there is a growing consensus that Lopez would be exploring a different market.

With Milwaukee already looking to fill Lopez’s spot at the center position, a new name has emerged. According to Fischer, Milwaukee is exploring options to sign Philadelphia 76ers big man Guerschon Yabusele.

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The French player who made his name during the Paris Olympics had signed a one-year, $2,087,519 deal with the 76ers in August. Yabusele will become an unrestricted free agent when free agency hits on June 30.

However, the Bucks are expected to meet with serious competition, primarily from the Sixers themselves. According to Fischer and Marc Stein, the Sixers are also planning to re-sign the big man and have already been making room to re-sign him.

Last season, the Sixers had a forgettable season with a 24-58 record. Despite the team's struggles, Yabusele delivered a strong campaign, appearing in 70 games and starting 43. He averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.8 steals in 27.1 minutes per game.

Lakers to go after Bucks' Brook Lopez in free agency

Brook Lopez is set to be one of the hottest names in free agency. The reports have also suggested that Lopez is not interested in returning to Milwaukee after another failed season. However, his market value has vastly increased.

The LA Lakers' dire need for a center has become a known fact among other teams. Last season, the Lakers targeted several centers, including Walker Kessler and Onyeka Okongwu and attempted a failed trade for Mark Williams.

As the free agency hits, Rob Pelinka is expected to pursue Lopez, who could solve a lot of the Lakers' problems. He is one of the best shot blockers in the league and an elite 3-point shooter.

Last season, Lopez averaged 13.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 1.8 apg and 1.9 blocks in 80 games. He made 50.9% of his shots, including 37.3% from the 3-point line. Lopez has also previously played for the Lakers. He played 74 games for the Lakers during the 2017-18 season.

However, it wouldn't be an easy signing to pull off for Pelinka, as his team only has $5.7 million in taxpayer mid-level exception. The Bucks paid Lopez $23 million (per Spotrac) last season, and he might have to take a pay cut if he decides to sign with LA.

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About the author

Nandjee Ranjan

Nandjee Ranjan is a journalist covering the NBA and WNBA at Sportskeeda whose passion for basketball dates back to his childhood when he enjoyed playing the sport in school.

Nandjee finds his heart divided between two NBA powerhouses: the LA Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. He idolizes LeBron James and his leadership, while he appreciates the Warriors' dynamic and team-oriented style of play.
Basketball, for Nandjee, isn't just a sport but a holistic approach to fitness and well-being. He's been drawn to team sports, finding fulfillment in the physical engagement basketball offers.

With years of following basketball, Nandjee contextualizes historical events and player performances. He believes in conducting thorough research before writing, only taking information from reliable sources. He doesn’t mind taking more time to write an articles, as long as it is 100% accurate for his readers’ benefit.

During his leisure hours, Nandjee finds relaxation by reading books.

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