The Los Angeles Clippers had a major lack of options in the frontcourt outside of Ivica Zubac during the 2024-25 NBA season.
They had nobody to back him up and frequently had to turn to Kawhi Leonard to play the 4 when he was healthy.
New Los Angeles Clippers center Brook Lopez blocking a shot
Los Angeles Clippers center Brook Lopez
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
They've wasted no time addressing this issue in free agency as they have added a former All-Star to their frontcourt.
According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Clippers have agreed to a two-year deal with former Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez that is worth $18 million.
Lopez is a great fit for the Clippers. As a two-time All-Defensive Team player, he is somebody who can protect the rim while Zubac is off the floor.
More importantly, he gives the team a big man who can score off the bench and one who can stretch the floor for them.
Last season, he averaged 13 points per game and did so while knocking down 1.7 threes per game. He also shot a strong 37.3% from three.
Lopez will also give the Clippers the option to play some really big lineups if they decide to put him and Zubac on the floor together. Lopez played 31.8 minutes per game for the Bucks last season, so he likely didn't sign just to back Zubac up.
The one thing about this signing is it makes the Clippers' first-round pick more confusing.
With Lopez joining Zubac for the next two seasons, it's hard to see exactly how Yanic Konan Niederhauser fits on this team when there are no minutes available for him.
Still, this move is definitely going to help the Clippers as they attempt to join the elite of the Western Conference in 2025 and is a solid start to free agency for the team.