Hornets want Robin Lopez, three-way-trade in the works?
Jul 24, 2012, 11:30 PM | Updated: 11:40 pm
With all the wheeling and dealing the Phoenix Suns have
done this offseason, it’s somewhat surprising how quiet
things have been on the Robin Lopez front.
The four-year pro is a restricted free agent who has yet
to receive offers from other NBA teams. According to
Yahoo! Sports Adrian Wojnarowski, that may change soon.
Hornets, Suns, Wolves
are nearing agreement on a 3-way deal that would send
Robin Lopez to the Hornets in a sign-and-trade, sources
tell Y!— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 24,
2012
Along with Lopez,
Suns would send Hakim Warrick to Hornets. Minny would send
Wesley Johnson and a 1st round pick to the Suns, sources
say.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) July 24,
2012
The Hornets were linked to the Suns early Tuesday, but
Wojnarowski reported Phoenix was an unwilling trade
partner, which was confirmed by Arizona Sports 620’s John
Gambadoro later.
However, the involvement of Minnesota may net the Suns the
compensation they are seeking to part ways with their
backup big man.
Johnson, 25, was drafted by the Timberwolves fourth-overall in
2010 out of Syracuse.
A 6-foot-7, 215-pound wing, he is coming off a year where
he averaged six points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Though
he has not yet proven himself as an NBA player, adding him
plus a first round pick — while unloading Hakim Warrick’s
contract — would be a real coup for Phoenix.
Lopez was a first round pick (15th overall) by the Suns in
2008, but has had an inconsistent run in the Valley.
Last season, the 7-footer from Stanford averaged 5.4
points and 3.3 rebounds per game in a bench role. For his
career, Lopez averages 5.8 points and 3.3 rebounds per
contest.
