The eight minutes Brook Lopez played in the Milwaukee Bucks' series-ending Game 5 loss to Indiana this postseason were likely his last contribution to the franchise. A free agent this summer after seven years in Milwaukee, Lopez, 37, is not expected back. Just as the Bucks pilfered him from the Lakers in 2018, they could target another Los Angeles center this free agency cycle to help replace him. Jaxson Hayes would bring the bounce and athletic rim-running Lopez could not provide.
Hayes could be a nice fit with the Milwaukee Bucks
Fittingly enough, a Lopez-Lakers reunion next season has been circulating in the rumor mill. Both he and Hayes were benched in the playoffs. Against the Pacers, Lopez's slowness and lack of switchability made him unplayable. For the Lakers, Hayes was a non-factor against the Wolves. In the decisive Game 5, he did not play at all. After falling out of favor with their respective teams, each big man could benefit from a change of scenery.
With the shooting limitations of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Hayes' own constraints are not ideal. He is essentially a weapon for lobs and putbacks, not much else. The Bucks, however, could use that type of athleticism at the rim, something they have not had for years with Lopez. Lineups featuring Jericho Sims, a career backup Milwaukee acquired at the trade deadline, proved far more effective in many cases. If the Milwaukee Bucks do not re-sign Sims, Hayes could fill that role.
Even if Sims returns for depth purposes, Hayes would supply an upgrade in production as a backup five. Last season for the Lakers, he averaged 6.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in about 20 minutes per contest, starting 35 out of 56 games.
Ideally, the Milwaukee Bucks would not have to rely on Hayes as a starter, but he can trot out for tipoff in a pinch. Back in 2022 with New Orleans, he peaked at 9.3 points in almost identical minutes. Although he has operated almost exclusively at the basket during the last two years, he has shot a moderate volume of 3-pointers in the past, going 20-57 (35 percent) in his best season.
Turning 25 on May 23, Hayes is still young and has time to grow. With practice, he could knock down an occasional open look if ever stationed on the perimeter.
Coming off a two-year, $4.6 million contract, Hayes should not be expensive. His playoff benching does not help his market value. With an abundance of roster holes, the Bucks should conserve resources wherever possible this offseason, making economic options like Hayes worth a look. Signing a legitimate starting center should remain a priority, but they could do worse than adding a cheap insurance policy and useful reserve.