The Golden State Warriors crashed out of the 2025 NBA Playoffs on Wednesday night, suffering a 121-110 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of their Western Conference semifinals series. Shortly after the game, the team found themselves getting linked to former Milwaukee Bucks champion Brook Lopez.
After eliminating the Houston Rockets in seven games in their first-round series, the Warriors were flying high as they entered their series against the Timberwolves. Stephen Curry suffered a hamstring injury early in Game 1, and while Golden State won that game, it ended up being too much to overcome, as Minnesota rattled off four straight wins.
While Curry's injury undoubtedly played a big role in the outcome of the series, there's no doubt that the Warriors roster has some serious flaws. Easily their biggest hole is the center position, which led Bobby Marks of ESPN to float Lopez as a potential free agent target for Golden State this offseason.
"I think the one name to keep an eye on regarding that center position is Brook Lopez," Marks said on "NBA Today."
Bobby Marks on the Warriors:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) May 15, 2025
"I think the one name to keep an eye on regarding that center position is Brook Lopez" pic.twitter.com/OyjxdjaTnr
Lopez remained a key contributor for the Bucks in his 17th season in the league, averaging 13 points, five rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 50.9% from the field. He's not the All-Star caliber player he once was, but Lopez could immediately fill the Warriors hole at the center position.
While retirement could be in the cards for Lopez considering how he turned 37 years old back in April, if he wants to keep playing, this could be a match made in heaven. Golden State could be aggressive this offseason as they attempt to maximize their championship window with Curry on their roster, and that could lead them to make a big push for Lopez.