The New York Knicks are still hoping that all of the work they did–including trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Dallas Mavericks–in order to clear up two max cap slots will pay off. They still hope to land the biggest fish in the sea (Kevin Durant), but it increasingly appears that New York will have to wait another summer before making a run at multiple star players.
Kyrie Irving appears more likely to join the Brooklyn Nets or Los Angeles Lakers. Bronx native Kemba Walker could be heading to the Boston Celtics. Even if the Knicks manage to sign Durant, he will miss all of the 2019-20 season due to his ruptured Achilles.
As such, it appears that the Knicks are pursuing various moves to more adequately round out the roster. Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Knicks are showing interest in veteran center Robin Lopez:
New York has targeted free-agent center Robin Lopez to be the potential backup for Mitchell Robinson, according to league sources.
Lopez, who will be 31 next season, averaged 9.5 rebounds and 3.9 rebounds for the Chicago Bulls last season, but he is relied on for his leadership and energy as he is for his effectiveness on the floor.
The common thought was that the Bulls would look to retain Lopez, and that may still be the case. But having opened up some cap space as of late–renouncing $3 million formerly due to Omer Asik–Chicago may pursue guys like Patrick Beverley or Malcolm Brogdon.
Lopez actually played for the Knicks in 2015-16, and would immediately step into another vocal role with a young and rebuilding team if he went back to New York.
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