Chris Bosh and Hassan Whiteside defending Robin Lopez of the Knicks (Photo : Elsa | Getty Images Sport)
The NBA trade rumors have hosted Brook Lopez for quite some time, but now his twin brother may also make his mark.
Robin Lopez was signed by the New York Knicks after their failure to acquire his former teammate LaMarcus Aldridge and former Detroit Piston Greg Monroe. The Knicks had considerable cap space and needed a true center as they were not sure of whether 4th overall pick Kristaps Porzingis could cover the position.
Actually, not too many knew what to expect from Porzingis but he has erased all doubt on whether he belongs in the NBA. With his accelerated development, he might displace some frontcourt personnel, and RoLo might be the odd man out.
According to the NY Post, Lopez might be pulled from the starting lineup soon.
"Fisher hasn't pulled the trigger on removing Lopez from the starting lineup, but it has been discussed internally. It's the elephant in the room, especially with O'Quinn starting to show signs of being a force."
While the rest of the league is going smaller, the Knicks, because of their uncertainty at that position, now has a logjam at the frontcourt. While it is definitely not a bad luxury to have, the idea that they are paying Lopez $ 54 million for 4 years to come off the bench and play 20 minutes seems like a waste.
The Daily Knicks also points out that Lopez might be standing in the way of the Knicks future main man.
"The biggest threat to Lopez's role at center, however, is rookie Kristaps Porzingis.
For as many comparisons as he may receive to power forward Dirk Nowitzki, it's becoming more-and-more clear that Porzingis is at his most dangerous when playing center."
Thus, there are possibilities for a trade involving Lopez. There are teams with a need for center and would be willing to take on RoLo's contract. The Chicago Bulls have been a candidate with Joakim Noah's expiring contract as the bait, but the Bulls would want to fleece one of the Knicks young guards.
The Heat could be interested when Hassan Whiteside eventually leaves for free agency, but not until the end of the season. The Knicks could use Lopez to acquire guard help in a trade, but their options are limited.
