National Basketball Association

AP source: Knicks agree to deal with center Robin Lopez

Published Jul. 3, 2015 5:35 p.m. ET

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NEW YORK (AP) Robin Lopez is joining the Knicks, turning New York's NBA rivalry into a family affair.

Lopez agreed to sign with the Knicks on Friday, a person with knowledge of the details said, and will play just across town from twin brother and Brooklyn Nets center, Brook.

Robin Lopez will leave the Portland Trail Blazers to fill the open spot in the middle for the Knicks, the person told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because contracts can't yet be signed. Yahoo Sports reported Lopez would receive a four-year deal worth $54 million.

Lopez wrote on Twitter that he was ''excited to part of the (hash) Knicks legacy,'' adding that it would be like the musical ''On the Town'' only with ''way more box outs & dunks.''

The Knicks have been seeking a center since trading Tyson Chandler last summer. They had also spoken to DeAndre Jordan and Greg Monroe before those players chose to go elsewhere.

Robin Lopez's decision comes just days after Brook Lopez agreed to stay with the Nets for a reported $60 million over three years.

Unlike his brother, Robin Lopez is limited offensively but is a solid defensive player. He has averaged 8.2 points and 5.0 rebounds in his career, which includes four years in Phoenix and a stop in New Orleans before two seasons with Portland.

He becomes the second player to leave the Blazers for the Knicks this summer. Arron Afflalo agreed to a $16 million, two-year deal on Thursday. The Knicks came into the summer with more than $25 million to spend and have enough left to keep looking for more help on the free-agent market.