Tap here to view theScore's NBA Offseason Tracker, which includes the latest transactions and rumors.
DeAndre Jordan has passed up the Big Apple, which means the New York Knicks have found their center for the future.
The Knicks and Robin Lopez have come to an agreement on a four-year, $54-million pact, Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports reports.
The agreement was contingent on Jordan's decision, but his representatives reportedly informed the Knicks on Friday afternoon that they're moving on. Jordan will decide between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers.
In Lopez, the Knicks have secured a solid, dependable producer. Lopez isn't necessarily a scorer in the post, but he's a smart defender who can reliably anchor a defense. He has great size and strength to play his position and can score reliably around the basket on pick-and-rolls and putbacks.
He's also an exceptional offensive rebounder, having averaged 4.2 offensive boards per 36 minutes last season.
Lopez's fit within the triangle offense is debatable; he's not built to serve as the fulcrum of a post-oriented offense. However, his skills should complement the team. He gives Jose Calderon a reliable pick-and-roll target and his defense can mask the Knicks' defensive woes.
The Stanford product also won't take shots away from Carmelo Anthony.
Altogether, it's a solid deal for a steady player. With the salary cap due to explode in response to an influx of TV revenue, Lopez's salary should be a bargain in Years 3 and 4.
The addition of Lopez is yet another commendable move by the suddenly sensible Knicks. New York has whiffed on the major free agents, but managed to grab Lopez and Arron Afflalo on affordable deals.
