DeAndre Jordan will reportedly choose between the Clippers and Mavericks.
So, barring a surprise New York decision, Robin Lopez will join the Knicks.
Marc Stein of ESPN:
Source close to talks says Robin Lopez has COMMITTED to join Knicks and will do so ... UNLESS DeAndre Jordan chooses Knicks
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 3, 2015
Deal details for Lopez/Knicks remain unclear, but he's prepared to go to NYC as long as there's still an opening there after DeAndre decides
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 3, 2015
Lopez and the Knicks were reportedly talking about a deal that pays $12 million-$13 million annually. Presumably, that’s what Lopez agreed to accept. The length is unclear, but Lopez is 27. Four years wouldn’t be awful.
On the bright side, Lopez is the type of player the Knicks need to complement Carmelo Anthony. Lopez defends well near the rim, sets good screens and crashes the offensive glass. Building around Melo – who’s expensive, defensively deficient and a poor passer – is difficult. Lopez helps.
The big questions: Would the Knicks have enough money left to add more support after paying Lopez that much? This is still a very incomplete roster. How much growth does Lopez have left in him? He looks near his peak. That’s not a bad position, but doesn’t bring the type of upside that excites fans.
This would be a fine signing, but with Phil Jackson raising expectations so high, it would also feel underwhelming.
