Daily Knicks
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3 former Knicks who could return to New York in 2022 free agency

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 04: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks reacts after hitting a three pointer against the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Madison Square Garden on December 4, 2016 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 04: Carmelo Anthony #7 of the New York Knicks reacts after hitting a three pointer against the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Madison Square Garden on December 4, 2016 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Robin Lopez
Robin Lopez, New York Knicks. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2: Robin Lopez

What’s going to happen if Robinson leaves the Knicks this summer? The front office could be planning to draft his replacement, but if that doesn’t happen, there will be several options for New York to consider in free agency.

One of those options is Robin Lopez, who played in all 82 games for the Knicks in 2015-16. He was sent to the Chicago Bulls during the 2016 offseason as part of the Derrick Rose trade. Now, ironically enough, there’s a chance that both he and Rose could be in New York together.

Lopez spent the 2021-22 season with the Orlando Magic, where he averaged 7.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 55.3% from the floor. He played in a career-low 36 games, but that’s because his role was to help guide a rebuilding team and not to be a huge factor on the court.

The 34-year-old is no longer meant to be part of a starting rotation, and even after playing in less than half of the season this past year, he’d be a decent off the bench option. In 2020-21, Lopez played in 71 games for the Washington Wizards and averaged 9 points and 3.8 rebounds in an average of 19.1 minutes per contest, so it’s not as if he’s incapable of being a consistent force down low.

If Robinson walks, the Knicks will be left with Jericho Sims, Taj Gibson, and Nerlens Noel. The latter played in 25 games this past year due to an injury and is set to make $9.3 million in 2022-23 before having a $9.7 club option in 2023-24. There have been rumors about a possible Noel trade, and if that ends up being the case, the front office could consider signing Lopez.

He’d be a great veteran presence for Sims and would be able to provide meaningful minutes, namely on the offensive end. However, if Robinson stays, and if Noel isn’t traded, there won’t be a need for Lopez.