NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors might sign $48 million ex-Milwaukee Bucks star to bolster roster and improve Stephen Curry's Championship odds

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 Golden State Warriors might sign $48 million ex-Milwaukee Bucks star to bolster roster and improve Stephen Curry's Championship odds

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) and guard Stephen Curry (30) share a laugh during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Chase Center. (Image via D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images)

The Golden State Warriors are reportedly considering a move for ex-Milwaukee Bucks’ veteran center Brook Lopez in free agency, aiming to add size and shooting around Stephen Curry. With the Bucks likely to let Lopez walk, the Warriors could capitalize on his experience and skill set to bolster their frontcourt.

Why Brook Lopez Makes Sense for the Golden State Warriors

Brook Lopez’s combination of floor-spacing and rim protection fits Golden State’s needs the same things that could draw the Golden State Warriors to Turner could also have them eyeing Lopez, who has a more realistic shot of landing within their price range. He wouldn't be as impactful, obviously, but the 37-year-old still offers an intriguing mix of long-range shooting and close-range defending.

Lopez’s Key Strengths

Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez (Image via Getty)

- 3-Point Shooting: Averaged 1.8 threes per game at 37.1% accuracy since 2022-23.- Rim Protection: Still a disruptive presence near the basket despite limited mobility.- Veteran Experience: Championship pedigree from his time with Milwaukee.

Potential Concerns

- Pace: Lopez’s slower movement could clash with Golden State’s fast-paced offense.- Defensive Limitations: Struggles to defend outside the paint, which may be exploited in switch-heavy schemes.

How Lopez Fits the Golden State Warriors’ System

Offensive Role

Brook Lopez would provide the Golden State Warriors with a reliable pick-and-pop option, stretching defenses to open driving lanes for Curry.

However, his tendency to take deep threes could disrupt ball movement if not utilized carefully.

Defensive Impact

While not a versatile defender, Lopez’s shot-blocking (2.4 blocks per game in 2022-23) would give Golden State a much-needed interior anchor. The trade-off is his inability to guard quicker forwards on the perimeter.

Why the Los Angeles Clippers might let go of Lopez

The LA Clippers may consider trading Brook Lopez to the Golden State Warriors due to evolving roster needs, cap flexibility, and Lopez’s high market value.

With Ivica Zubac established as the main big and rookie Kon Niederhauser added, Lopez could be expendable. Meanwhile, the Warriors need a rim-protecting, floor-spacing center—Lopez averaged 1.9 blocks and shot 37.3% from three last season. His $18M contract is moveable, and both teams are in win-now mode with aging cores.

Given past mutual interest between Lopez and the Warriors, a deal could benefit both sides if it aligns with their short-term championship goals.Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers eyeing to waive $9,162,406 guard to accomodate Marcus SmartFor the Golden State Warriors, signing Lopez would be a low-risk, high-reward move to maximize Curry’s championship window.

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