Ex-Memorial High stars Robin and Brook Lopez testing NBA free agency
Twin brothers and ex-Memorial High stars Robin and Brook Lopez are now free agents.
Brook Lopez decided Friday to opt out of his $16.7 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets that he would have earned next to season to become a free agent.
Robin Lopez’s three-year, $15 million contract expired at the end of the season. He spent two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers after getting traded by the then-New Orleans Hornets.
The 7-foot centers are looking forward to the free-agency period, which begins July 1. Teams can’t sign free agents until the NBA’s moratorium ends July 9.
“It will be interesting,” said Brook Lopez, who has averaged 17.9 points and 7.3 rebounds in his six-year NBA career. “We'll see what happens, but I want to be somewhere in a situation that helps my team win however possible.”
Robin Lopez this past season averaged 9.6 points and 6.7 rebounds in 59 games. The previous season, he played every game, averaged 11.1 pounds and 8.5 rebounds with 29 double-doubles, and set the franchise single season record for offensive rebounds with 326.
“I’ve had a lot of success in Portland,” he said. “Obviously, I’d love to be back there. This is my first contract year where I really haven’t had a lot of options.”
In 2013-14, Brook Lopez appeared in 17 games before breaking his foot. This past season, Lopez averaged 17.2 points and 7.4 rebounds in 72 games. He won back-to-back Eastern Conference player of the week awards late in the season.
Nets general manager Billy King reportedly has said he would like to re-sign the All-Star.
Brook Lopez said has has enjoyed his time with the Nets and would like to continue his career with the team.
“There are a lot of pros to multiple situations,” he said. “I just have to look at the situation, what would be best for myself, and wherever I can come in and help immediately.”
Anthony Galaviz: 559-441-6042, @agalaviz_TheBee
This story was originally published June 30, 2015 at 9:37 PM with the headline "Ex-Memorial High stars Robin and Brook Lopez testing NBA free agency."