Brook Lopez is going to get PAID this summer. In his age 34 season, the Bucks’ big man is making good money at $13.9 million, but below what a floor-spacing big in the mix for Defensive Player of the Year should make. Lopez is a free agent this summer and will see a healthy raise.
He hopes that is in Milwaukee, Lopez told Michael Scotto of Hoopshype.com.
As noted in the story, Lopez could sign a two-year, $35 million extension with the Bucks, but he may want to go to free agency to see if a larger payday is out there (closer to $20 million a season?).
What will be interesting with Lopez is less the money and more the years — he is playing the best basketball of his career but turns 35 before the playoffs start. How many years does a team want to commit to?
Lopez was also clear about another thing: He wants to win Defensive Player of the Year.
Lopez may be the DPOY frontrunner at the season’s midway point, but holding onto that in a crowded field will not be easy. We do know that no matter what happens with the award, he will get paid this summer.