NBA Rumors: Ranking and predicting where the top 35 NBA free agents will sign

26. Brook Lopez (unrestricted)

It may have been a disappointing ending of the season for the Milwaukee Bucks after losing to the Miami Heat in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. I don’t think they envisioned that happening, even with a hobbled Giannis Antetokounmpo. Nevertheless, it’s a result that netted a new head coach and one that could help open the door to a shift for their supporting cast heading into the summer.

While there are certain possibilities in reshuffling the roster, one move that the Bucks can’t seemingly make is letting Brook Lopez leave in free agency. Even though he’s 35 years old, he is still playing at a high level for the Bucks. So much so that they almost have to bite the bullet and hope that Father Time isn’t too harsh on him over the course of the next two seasons.

Lopez is coming off a season in which he averaged 16 points and seven rebounds on 37 percent shooting from 3-point range. He also remains to be one of the better rim protectors in the NBA. If the Bucks could get two more years out of him, it would be a huge win for the franchise.

I’d be shocked if Lopez wasn’t in a Bucks uniform next season.

Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks