NBA Rumors: Brook Lopez wants to stay with Milwaukee Bucks long-term and win Defensive Player of the year

Brook Lopez is having the best defensive season of his 14-year NBA career. The 7-footer is averaging a career-high 2.6 blocks per game and is one of the frontrunners to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.

The NBA veteran wants to stay with the Milwaukee Bucks, the team he's played for for the past five years. Despite the Bucks having ups and downs this season, they are still one of the best teams in the league with a 26-14 record.

“I love it here,” Lopez told HoopsHype when talking about his long-term plans.

The defensive anchor has also expressed gratitude to Milwaukee for signing him to a contract five years ago and implied that he'd love to stay.

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Brook Lopez is on an expiring contract with the Milwaukee Bucks

Lopez, who is also averaging 14.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per game, is on an expiring contract. His first contract with the team was a one-year deal and was worth only $3.4 million.

After his first season with the Bucks, the 34-year-old center proved to be a valuable piece for the team. Due to this, he received a four-year contract, eventually helping the team win the championship in 2021.

Lopez is having fantastic time in Milwaukee (Image via Getty Images)

Prior to the 2019-20 season, the Bucks signed the big man to a four-year contract worth $52 million. Unfortunately, for the team, Lopez is in the final year of the deal and will receive $13.9 million for his services this season.

You may be interested in reading: Giannis Antetokounmpo reckons Brook Lopez is deserving of Defensive Player of the Year honors

However, the big man wants to stay in Milwaukee.

“I’m so thankful for the opportunity the Bucks gave me five years ago to come here and be a part of something special," Lopez said. "We’ve had a great time. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”

The former All-Star could sign a contract extension worth nearly $35 million. The Bucks can offer him two more years, but if they don't, he will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

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Giannis Antetokunmpo believes that Brook Lopez should be Defensive Player of the Year

The Milwaukee Bucks have several incredible defenders on their team. Besides Brook Lopez, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday are well-known for locking down their opponents.

However, both Antetokounmpo and Holiday agree that Lopez should be the Defensive Player of the Year for the 2022-23 season.

Lopez is one of the best defensive players in the league this season (Image via Getty Images)

“In my opinion, and probably Jrue’s, he’s the Defensive Player of the Year,” the two-time MVP said regarding his teammate. "He’s 34 years old. It’s insane how he’s playing right now."

You may be interested in reading: How does Brook Lopez's stats compare to his twin brother, Robin Lopez? All you need to know

However, Giannis knows that it's still too early, which is why he's added that the Bucks are going to need this from Lopez for 60 more games.