The New York Knicks are seeking to bolster their center position following Isaiah Hartenstein’s departure to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency.
With limited options in the free agent market for centers, the Knicks are exploring potential trades. According to Milwaukee Bucks insider Gery Woelfel, Brook Lopez is available for trade.
“Sources indicate the Bucks are open to trading veteran Brook Lopez, but their asking price of a first-round draft pick for a 36-year-old center with a $23 million contract is considered steep,” Woelfel tweeted.
Financial constraints are a concern for the Knicks, but a trade scenario involving Mitchell Robinson and a heavily-protected first-round pick could be feasible. Robinson has three years left on his contract, and acquiring Lopez could provide the Knicks with a defensive stalwart, especially since Lopez earned All-Defensive First Team honors in 2023.
However, the financial implications of Lopez’s contract pose challenges for the Knicks, particularly after their recent moves. They traded Bojan Bogdanovic to the Brooklyn Nets and have limited financial flexibility. Robinson’s lower salary compared to Lopez’s complicates any potential deal, potentially affecting the Knicks’ tax situation.
While trading Julius Randle could open possibilities, it doesn’t align with the Knicks’ current plans, even if Lopez were packaged with another asset like Pat Connaughton.
Ultimately, the Knicks may need to seek a center through other means, possibly by signing a veteran to a minimum contract, such as former NBA champion JaVale McGee or seasoned player Daniel Theis.
