Robin Lopez to Knicks: Latest Contract Details, Comments and Reaction

Robin Lopez has decided against returning to the Portland Trail Blazers in 2015-16, exercising his right as an unrestricted free agent to sign instead with the New York Knicks for the next phase of his career.

The Knicks confirmed the deal on July 9, according to Al Iannazzone of Newsday. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports first reported Lopez and the Knicks agreed to a four-year, $54 million deal on Friday. 

Lopez spoke about joining the Knicks:

Rick Bowmer/Associated Press

Although he might not be considered an elite center and was definitely overshadowed by former Blazers teammate LaMarcus Aldridge, Lopez is a legitimate 7-footer and a strong rim protector. Players with Lopez's experience level and skill set are difficult to come by.

The 27-year-old isn't at the same level as highly sought-after big men like Aldridge, Greg Monroe and DeAndre Jordan, but he fills a need for the Knicks and will join Carmelo Anthony as the team looks to contend in the wide-open East.

New York president Phil Jackson may be overpaying with the deal, but the Knicks couldn't afford to sit on their hands and not make a move after missing out on the biggest targets from this free-agency class.

Dan Devine of Yahoo Sports broke down what Lopez brings for the Knicks:

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Public perception of his game has often suffered by dint of comparisons to his twin brother, former All-Star Brook Lopez, who just agreed to a three-year, $60 million contract to stay with the Brooklyn Nets. (Count me among those stoked that the wondrous twins will now occupy the same city.) But those who view Robin as a lesser substitute because he lacks Brook's offensive game drastically undersell his talents.

He's not a primary or secondary offensive option, but he can contribute without needing many touches. He's got enough moves in the post and touch on his half-hooks and short jumpers to be effective in a pinch, and he's shot better than 53 percent from the field and 77 percent from the free-throw line in each of the last three seasons. He's a solid dive man in the pick-and-roll game ranks who ranks among the NBA's best screeners, a pick-setter who consistently makes solid enough contact with opposing defenders to give ball-handlers opportunities to turn the corner and off-ball cutters enough air space to catch and either attack or fire.

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It did seem Lopez wanted to remain in Portland for the most part, though he did acknowledge before hitting free agency that he couldn't account for all the variables.

"Nothing's 100 percent certain," Lopez said after the Blazers were eliminated from the playoffs, per OregonLive.com's Sean Meagher. "Obviously I've loved my time here in Portland. I would love to come back. I'd be very open to coming back, but it's hard to say 100 percent. You just never know what's going to happen."

Now a new chapter will begin for Lopez, and the Blazers will embark on a quest to replace a key cog in their promising young core.

Lopez is an underrated threat offensively, as evidenced by his 57.4 true shooting percentage last season. But he wasn't used as often in Portland, again, because of Aldridge's presence. Aldridge was third among full-time starting forwards in usage rate at 30 percent, and point guard Damian Lillard (26.7) commanded the ball a lot as well.

Perhaps a change of scenery is what Lopez needs to fully realize his potential in the midst of his prime. With playoff games under his belt from his two-year stint as a Blazer, Lopez brings a strong locker room presence and is a dependable starter at a key position.

Note: Advanced stats courtesy of NBA.com.