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After whiffing on prime free-agent target Greg Monroe, being publicly spurned by David West, and having their scheduled meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge canceled at the last minute, the New York Knicks finally appear to be moving towards acquiring a big man.
The Knicks are discussing a deal with free-agent center Robin Lopez that would see the former Portland Trail Blazer earn in the vicinity of $12 million to $13 million per season, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.
That the Knicks are desperate for a reliable man in the middle is no secret. They finished 28th in both team defense and rebound rate last season, and their frontcourt minutes leader, by a country mile, was Jason Smith, who averaged eight points and four rebounds. They picked up a whole lot of size in the draft, but it's believed 7-foot-2 fourth-overall pick Kristaps Porzingis is a year or two away from contributing meaningfully.
Lopez averaged 9.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks last season. He's a strong rebounder, rim protector, and post defender (if slow and vulnerable in the pick-and-roll) who scrounges for buckets and second-chance opportunities on offense. He'd instantly make the Knicks front line a far more capable outfit.
It may seem like a steep price to pay Lopez $12 million to $13 million a season, but given the Knicks' need, not to mention the fact New Orleans Pelicans center Omer Asik - who brings a similar skill set - just agreed to a deal for five years and $60 million, it's perfectly reasonable and in line with today's market value.
Wojnarowski adds the Los Angeles Lakers - who passed up the opportunity to select a big man second overall in the draft - are also in the chase for Lopez.
