Why the Chicago Bulls should re-sign Robin Lopez

Robin Lopez is an impending free agent this summer. Here’s why the Chicago Bulls should re-sign the veteran big man this summer.

Not too long ago, we speculated here on the three Chicago Bulls most likely to be traded before the 2019 NBA Trade Deadline. Two of those players on the list, Jabari Parker and Bobby Portis, were dealt to the Washington Wizards. Sandwiched between the two was Robin Lopez, an impending free agent who, as a veteran in his 11th season, appeared to not be in the Bulls’ future.

Fast forward to April and as we near the end of the 2018-19 NBA season, the mood has changed. If there is anything constant about the NBA, it’s that nothing is constant. Lopez has gone from a feisty veteran sparring with teammates and itching to be on a contending team to a productive big man and veteran leader in the locker room. Before February, it was assumed that the 30-year-old Lopez wouldn’t be a Bull by season’s end.

Since the All-Star break, Chicago’s man in the middle has posted strong numbers. With rookie center Wendell Carter Jr. sidelined after 44 games with a thumb injury, Lopez has posted 15.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks in 30.5 minutes per contest over 20 games. During this span, Lopez also has shot 58.7 percent from the field.

At a reduced salary, it just makes sense to bring Lopez back

Before this season began, it seemed that Lopez, acquired from the New York Knicks in the Derrick Rose trade, was simply playing out his contract in Chicago. Speculation was strong that the big man would eventually be bought out of his deal if not traded and land with the Golden State Warriors.

Obviously that didn’t happen, and now it just makes sense for the Chicago Bulls to try to re-sign Lopez this summer.

Finishing out a four-year, $54 million deal he signed with the Knicks in 2015, Lopez will need to take a pay cut from the $14 million he made this season with the Bulls. Chicago will have a need behind Carter and Lauri Markkanen in the frontcourt. While there will be other options the team could pursue, keeping Lopez seems like a logical move.

His familiarity with the organization and chemistry he’s developed with his teammates are just two reasons to bring him back in the fold. He’s also a good mentor for Carter, the 19-year-old rookie from Duke.

Combine those reasons with his strong voice in the locker room and it’s understandable why the Bulls front office is interested in a reunion with Lopez. It appears safe to say he’s interested in a return as well.

There will be other options, of course

Of course, as stated, the Chicago Bulls will have other options in finding a backup center this summer. The NBA’s offseason is notable for its drama, but it’s a business first and foremost. For the Stanford alum, this summer will be no different. Once he hits the market, the former New Orleans Hornet and Portland Trail Blazer may choose a team with a more concrete path towards contention. If he does, the Bulls will need to look elsewhere.

Of the most notable veterans and relatively affordable backup options, Dewayne Demon of the Atlanta Hawks is near the top of the list. In 64 games for the Hawks, Dedmon has averaged 10.8 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting 38.2 percent from beyond the 3-point line. He’s in a similar situation with the Hawks and might want to return there for the same reasons Lopez could be a Chicago Bull next season.

Other names could include Ed Davis of the Brooklyn Nets, Aron Baynes of the Boston Celtics (if he opts out of his player option) and former Bull/fan favorite Taj Gibson, currently of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

With the season nearing an end, the NBA offseason will dominate the sports world soon. For Chicago Bulls fans, that offseason is approaching quickly and the front office will start addressing question marks soon enough. Re-signing Robin Lopez seems like an easy answer at this point. My how things can change.