Golden State Warriors Eye Former Bucks Big Man Brook Lopez to Bring Championship-Caliber Size and Shooting Around Stephen Curry

The Golden State Warriors may be preparing to reload, not rebuild. After a tumultuous 2024–25 season that saw them fall short of championship contention, the front office appears to be laser-focused on surrounding Stephen Curry with the type of veteran help he needs to make one last run at a title. According to reports circulating league insiders, the Warriors are seriously considering making a run at ex-Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez in free agency.

Lopez, who turned 37 earlier this month, remains one of the league’s most unique big men. At 7 feet tall and nearly 280 pounds, he offers an imposing presence in the paint on defense while stretching the floor with a lethal three-point shot. And now, with the Milwaukee Bucks reportedly ready to move in a younger direction and allow Lopez to walk, Golden State may be the team poised to benefit from the veteran’s availability.

For a Warriors franchise that has built much of its modern identity on small-ball revolution and positional versatility, the prospect of adding a traditional center might seem like a philosophical shift. But Golden State hasn’t been afraid to adapt in the past — and this move, if finalized, would be all about giving Curry the support he needs in what could be the final stretch of his prime.

Last season, the Warriors struggled with rim protection and rebounding — issues that have plagued them since the departure of Kevon Looney from the rotation and Draymond Green’s aging legs. Even with Green anchoring the defense and Andrew Wiggins offering athleticism on the wing, Golden State was often exposed in the paint, especially against bigger lineups. James Wiseman, once thought to be the answer, is long gone, and while Trayce Jackson-Davis showed promise, he’s not yet a proven postseason performer.

Brook Lopez, on the other hand, has deep playoff experience and has logged meaningful minutes in several high-pressure scenarios. In fact, he was a key figure in Milwaukee’s 2021 championship run and continued to play an essential role in the years that followed. Even in the 2024–25 season, Lopez averaged 12.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc — all in just over 28 minutes per contest. That kind of production, paired with his durability and basketball IQ, makes him an ideal fit for a Warriors team in desperate need of a reliable presence in the middle.

Curry, who just turned 37, is still playing at an elite level, but it’s no secret that the clock is ticking. The franchise’s decision-makers, including General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Head Coach Steve Kerr, are reportedly committed to maximizing whatever time they have left with Curry at the helm. That includes looking beyond younger developmental projects and focusing instead on battle-tested veterans who can contribute immediately.

Sources close to the Warriors’ front office believe Lopez could anchor a new-look frontcourt, sharing minutes with Jackson-Davis and Draymond Green while giving Kerr the flexibility to toggle between bigger and smaller lineups depending on the matchup. Offensively, Lopez would space the floor, keeping driving lanes open for Curry, Klay Thompson (if re-signed), and Jonathan Kuminga — or whoever remains from what has become an increasingly fluid roster.

The potential acquisition of Lopez also signals something deeper about the Warriors’ priorities this offseason: a commitment to defense. Golden State’s defensive rating slipped to 20th in the NBA last season, a startling decline for a team that once prided itself on locking down opponents. The front office has already begun evaluating ways to re-establish a defensive identity, and Lopez’s shot-blocking instincts and low-post deterrence would provide a significant boost in that direction.

Of course, several hurdles still stand in the way of any deal. Lopez is an unrestricted free agent, but he won’t come cheap, and the Warriors are already navigating a treacherous salary cap situation. The new collective bargaining agreement imposes harsh penalties on teams that exceed the second apron — a threshold Golden State has flirted with in recent years thanks to its stacked payroll. Adding Lopez might require shedding contracts elsewhere, possibly involving players like Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, or even Andrew Wiggins in cost-cutting deals.

Still, there’s optimism that a deal could be reached. Lopez has made over $150 million in career earnings and could be willing to take a slight pay cut to compete for another ring alongside Curry. The allure of playing in San Francisco, reuniting with several former Team USA colleagues, and extending his career with a team that prioritizes ball movement and floor spacing could appeal to the 16-year veteran.

His fit with Golden State, stylistically and culturally, seems nearly seamless. Lopez is a low-maintenance locker room presence known for his dry humor, commitment to film study, and steady demeanor — all traits the Warriors would welcome as they try to reset after a turbulent campaign.

The potential move also comes at a time of flux within the Western Conference. With the Denver Nuggets losing depth, the Lakers dealing with age and inconsistency, and the Clippers once again plagued by injuries, there’s a belief that the West could be more open than it appears — especially if the Warriors can retool efficiently.

Adding Lopez wouldn’t be a splashy move like trading for a superstar, but it could prove quietly transformative. Much like the acquisition of Andre Iguodala in 2013 or the under-the-radar addition of JaVale McGee during their later title runs, bringing in the right veteran at the right time could tilt the margins in Golden State’s favor.

What makes Lopez especially valuable is his ability to play both with and without the ball. He won’t need touches to make an impact, and he won’t disrupt the flow of Kerr’s offense. On defense, his drop coverage expertise could unlock new schemes that don’t overly tax Draymond Green or force Curry to guard up every night. And in late-game scenarios, Lopez’s calm presence and foul-line reliability offer Kerr a dependable closer to pair with his stars.

If the Warriors are truly eyeing Lopez, the next few weeks will be crucial. Expect Golden State to gauge the market, explore trade scenarios to clear cap space, and potentially meet with Lopez and his representatives once the official free agency period opens.

Until then, the buzz surrounding the potential move continues to grow. For a team still reeling from the disappointment of missing out on the playoffs and watching other dynasties emerge, the prospect of adding a savvy veteran like Brook Lopez represents not just a smart basketball decision but a signal to the league: the Golden State Warriors aren’t done chasing banners just yet.

This may not be the same core that rattled off titles between 2015 and 2022. But with the right moves — including the possible arrival of Lopez — the Warriors might just give Stephen Curry one more shot at glory before the curtain finally closes.