It seems the Knicks are convinced DeAndre Jordan won’t sign with them.
After a report Robin Lopez would choose the Knicks if Jordan didn’t, Lopez and the Knicks are apparently advancing.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports:
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
Only a highly improbable DeAndre Jordan change of heart on choosing between Clippers and Mavericks could derail Lopez deal in New York.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 3, 2015
This isn’t a done deal, and it can’t become official until July 9, anyway. But it never seemed likely Jordan would sign with the Knicks in the first place. This just makes it more certain.
Lopez – a screen-setting, offensive rebounding, paint-protecting center – is a decent fit next to Carmelo Anthony. He makes the Knicks better, and at 27, he should remain a solid player for most, if not all, of this contract.
This isn’t the big splash most Knicks fans wanted, but at least they’re going in the right direction. Considering the Knicks lose their first-round pick next year, the only potential harm is the long-term salary commitment.