New York Knicks: Ranking 5 Replacements for Robin Lopez

1 of 6

With Robin Lopez going to the Chicago Bulls, which free agent centers should the New York Knicks target on the open market? Who are the top five options?

The New York Knicks deal for point guard Derrick Rose should lead to substantial subsequent moves during the summer. Robin Lopez’s departure at center leaves a void in the frontcourt. Who should the front office pursue as the next roster building block?

This year’s free-agent group doesn’t bring superstars to the negotiating table, but several pieces could boost the Knicks into postseason contention.

More from Empire Writes Back

Ideally, New York needs a player in the 5-spot who can play both ends of the court and contribute a double-double on any given night. Fortunately, several players have the capability to deliver in weak areas on the court.

Lopez signed a four-year, $54 million deal with the Knicks in the previous offseason, per spotrac.com. He played a full season, 82 games, averaging 10.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. The veteran center certainly added to the overall product on the court, but he’s replaceable.

He played a full season, 82 games, averaging 10.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. The veteran center certainly added to the overall product on the court, but he’s replaceable.

Depending on who the Knicks sign to fill the middle, it should make the Rose trade look far better in the aftermath.

Before the aforementioned trade, certain players were connected to New York as a possible destination. Now, with two recognizable names and a budding talent in forward Kristaps Porzingis, the interest level should rise a bit.

Who’s the best long-term solution for the Knicks? How would you rank the following top five targets to replace Lopez? We’ll cycle through the options in ascending order from No. 5 to the No. 1 choice.

Next: No. 5

Home/New York Knicks