Lopez's commitment to Knicks depends on Jordan going elsewhere
Free-agent center Robin Lopez is “committed” to signing with the New York Knicks assuming DeAndre Jordan chooses to sign with a different team as widely expected, reports ESPN’s Marc Stein.
Lopez’s commitment signals him choosing the Knicks over the Los Angeles Lakers, who have been pursuing big men throughout the early portion of free agency.
Bleacher Report’s Howard Beck did report the Knicks are “still pursuing” Jordan even after Lopez’s commitment. Earlier Friday, Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski reported Jordan was “torn” about choosing a team and was “50–50” between signing with the Dallas Mavericks and returning to the Los Angeles Clippers. He is not expected to make a decision on Friday, reports the Los Angeles Times’ Brad Turner.
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Lopez, 27, spent the last two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers after one with the New Orleans Pelicans and four with the Phoenix Suns. Last season, he averaged 9.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.4 blocks over 59 games, missing 23 with a fractured wrist.
Lopez has developed into a solid defensive player over his seven seasons, having averaged 8.2 points, 5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game.
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The Knicks were initially pursuing former Detroit Pistons forward Greg Monroe in free agency, but Monroe agreed to a surprising max deal with the Milwaukee Bucks earlier on Thursday.
- Mike Fiammetta
