NBA Free Agency: 3 possible destinations for Robin Lopez

Going back just a few months ago, Robin Lopez's future in the NBA looked to be in serious doubt. Despite only recently turning 31, Lopez had been increasingly been viewed as a 7 ft relic, whose game had aged poorly due to the NBA's embrace of position-less basketball.

Entering the All-Star break, he was averaging just 15 minutes per game, and NBC Sports described Lopez as a 'one-dimensional center who offers very little versatility and next to nothing defensively'.

However, since the break, Lopez has found regular minutes in Chicago's rotation, and he has been dominant in the post. He has reached at least 20 points in three of his last nine games, most notably dropping 29 on the Knicks during just 30 minutes of action.

The veteran has also been working hard to develop a shot from range, and while it is still a work in progress (23%), it is not hard to see why Lopez has a reputation for being a great presence in the locker room.

The center's current contract with the Bulls is due to expire this summer, and Lopez is likely to be available on a much lower deal than his current 4-year $54 million deal. So, here are three franchises that should be interested in pursuing the soon-to-be free agent.

---

#3 Golden State Warriors

Lopez fits the veteran profile that Golden State seeks in centers

When talking about the Golden State Warriors' success, many note the team's ability to shoot the ball from three, and Steve Kerr's preference for a position-less lineup. However, during their recent success, the team has always had a well-travelled center.

Zaza Pachulia began the trend, and since his departure, the Warriors have utilised both JaVale McGee and Andrew Bogut.

With DeMarcus Cousins set to leave this summer, the Warriors may move further away from a traditional starting center than ever before, however, Lopez fits the profile of a player that could make an impact from the bench.

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder

Robin Lopez clashed with Jerami Grant during the Bulls defeat to OKC earlier this season

Lopez has a history with the Thunder having been involved in a heated bust-up with Jerami Grant earlier this season. The melee occurred after Kris Dunn shoved Russell Westbrook, with Lopez and Grant eventually falling into the first row of fans after squaring off. Nevertheless, neither player has a negative reputation, and the pair have likely already moved on from the clash.

This makes a route to OKC possible, and if Lopez was to sign for the Thunder, he would slot right in as Steven Adams' backup. The veteran can expect to play a similar role to that of Nerlens Noel, who is likely to exit the franchise in search of a longer and higher-paid deal.

Lopez could expect to play around 15 minutes per game from the bench, and Billy Donovan's preference for throwback bigs could make the Thunder a natural fit for him.

#1 Los Angeles Lakers

Robin Lopez's brother previously spent time as a Laker

Entering the 2019 offseason, the Lakers have a huge lack of depth at center. The team has already dropped the ball by offloading the promising Ivica Zubac to the Clippers, whereas the veteran duo of JaVale McGee and Tyson Chandler are likely to exit after just one season with the team.

This leaves the team with Moritz Wagner, who has yet to show any sort of potential that suggests he can transform into a star.

The Lakers are known to want Anthony Davis as their new starting big, and the likes of DeMarcus Cousins and Julius Randle are also options. However, the team will still need a veteran to make an impact from the bench, and if Lopez is available on a veteran's minimum deal, it makes perfect sense for Magic Johnson to offer him a one-year contract.