Brook Lopez Reportedly Possibility for Rockets If Steven Adams Leaves in Free Agency

Keeping veteran center Steven Adams is a "clear priority" for the Houston Rockets when it comes to retaining their free agents this summer, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, but the team may already have a contingency plan in place.

Per that report, "If Adams leaves, team sources said the Rockets could reignite their interest in Brook Lopez," who was "previously a target for Houston and would theoretically be a fit, given his two-way production and health (played 237 games over the last three seasons)."

Lopez, 37, averaged 13 points, five rebounds and 1.9 blocks in 80 games for the Milwaukee Bucks this past season, shooting 37.3 percent from three. His impact to protect the lane defensively and stretch the floor as a shooter on the offensive side of the ball continues to be valuable.

The Rockets had a fantastic 2024-25 season, going 52-30 and earning the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. It ended in disappointing fashion in the first round of the playoffs against the Golden State Warriors, though Houston's impressive young core means they'll be back.

Adding a veteran like Lopez who has plenty of postseason experience would make a lot of sense if Adams doesn't return.