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Robin Lopez in for a raise with Portland Trail Blazers

By Andrew Melnick

May 2, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum (88) and center Robin Lopez (42) react after a foul call against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum (88) and center Robin Lopez (42) react after a foul call against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /
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When the Portland Trail Blazers acquired veteran center Robin Lopez in  three team trade with the New Orleans Pelicans and Sacramento Kings in July of 2013 (guard Tyreke Evans went from the Kings to the Pelicans in a sign-and-trade while point guard Greivis Vasquez was sent to the Kings), not much was thought of it. Although he’d been a solid rebounder, he wasn’t a big time scorer like his brother, Brooklyn Nets’ center Brook Lopez. However, Lopez played very well in Portland last season and will be looking to cash in when he can become a free agent in 2015.

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According to Steve Kyler, Lopez is in for a raise.

"Like Millsap and Jordan, Lopez has outplayed his contract, which means he too will likely have to hit unrestricted free agency in July in order to get his contract re-set on par with his performance. This poses some risk for the Blazers, but all indications are that both sides want to continue to the relationship. It’s simply going to cost the Blazers more than the $6.1 million Lopez is set to earn."

Lopez averaged 11.1 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 0.9 assists per game last season while shooting 55.1% from the floor and 81.8% from the free throw line. He was excellent in the playoffs, going for 10.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 0.8 assists per game while shooting 48.9% from the field and 66.7% from the free throw line. Over the course of his six-year career, he’s put up 8.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 0.8 assists per game while shooting 53.1% from the field and 75.7% from the charity stripe.

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