NBA Rumors: Knicks and Robin Lopez finalizing deal
It looks the New York Knicks have their big man as the team, inking Robin Lopez to a free agent contract on Friday.
The New York Knicks entered the offseason with a big need in the paint and it appears as though the team is getting ready to fill it. While rumors have swirled around the Knickerbockers chasing a number of big men, the team has apparently made its choice.
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As reported by Adrian Wojnarowski, the Knicks and free agent center robin Lopez are working on finalizing a deal that would bring Lopez to New York. The contract is said to be a four-year deal and worth upwards of $54 million.
The Knicks are finalizing a four-year, $54 million agreement with free agent center Robin Lopez, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2015
Yesterday we reported that the two sides were nearing a deal after the Knicks lost out on Greg Monroe, but there was some concern this morning that the deal itself hinged on the choice of DeAndre Jordan’s decision. The fact that Lopez and the Knicks are moving forward would seem to indicate that New York is out of the running with Jordan, who is said to be choosing between the Dallas Mavericks and a return to the Los Angeles Clippers.
That said, Robin Lopez isn’t a bad consolation prize either. The 27-year-old is coming off a season shortened by injury (broken right hand), but still managed to contribute 9.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game in 2014-15. However, in the two years prior, the 7’0″, 255 lbs. Lopez averaged 11.2 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game.
His signing would sure up the Knicks defense in the paint, as Lopez has been known to defend well in the post and is the type of physical presence that New York has lacked over the last several seasons. The Knicks used an assortment of centers in 2014-15, including Amare Stoudamire, Andrea Bargnani, Cole Aldrich, and Jason Smith, although none truly provided a strong force in the middle.
The Knicks are also in the works of pursuing other upgrades and were earlier today rumored to be meeting with both free agent forwards Corey Brewer and Derrick Williams. However, given their salary commitment to Robin Lopez, the likelihood of both signing is reduced and only one would be truly feasible.
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