The deal, should it happen, would pay Lopez $12-13 million per season, and there’s no word on the length yet, but we’re guessing a two- or three-year deal with a player option before the final season, the de facto contract length this summer with the impending cap hike.
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The New York Knicks missed out on Greg Monroe, but Phil Jackson quickly shifted his attention to Robin Lopez.
LaMarcus Aldridge, left, is defended last season by Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6).
Robin Lopez is closer to becoming New York’s center, but he’s not coming cheap.
While the Knicks had their sights set higher this summer, Lopez is a nice addition for a team desperately in need of rim protection.
No one would be foolish enough to assume that this signing makes New York a contender, or somehow puts the Knicks over the top. While Lopez is limited as an offensive player, he’s serviceable in the pick and roll and finishes well at the rim. The Knicks still had visions of re-signing Jason Smith or combo guard Alexey Shved. Jordan could be returning to the Clippers or going to the Mavericks despite meeting with the Knicks.
By signing Lopez to this long-term deal, it likely means that Carmelo Anthony will play a lot of power forward next season. He has averaged 8.2 points and 5.0 rebounds in his career, which includes four years in Phoenix and a stop in New Orleans before two seasons with Portland. Last season, the 27-year old averaged just 9.6 PPG and 6.7 RPG; these numbers do not sound like they belong to a player deserving of a $54M deal.
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They came to terms with Afflalo on a two-year, $16-million contract Thursday. The Knicks are hoping Lopez could regain confidence and find a rhythm playing in the triangle offense. On Friday, New York met with free agents Derrick Williams and Corey Brewer, sources told ESPN’s Chris Broussard.
