The Washington Wizards have agree to a one-year deal with center Robin Lopez, according to Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports. The deal is for slightly less than the Wizards’ $9.258 million mid-level exception.
Washington will be the sixth team for the journeyman entering his 13th year in the NBA.
He spent last season with the Milwaukee Bucks, appearing in 66 games and averaging 5.4 points and 2.4 rebounds in 14.5 minutes per game. The numbers were all his lowest since the 2011-12 season.
Lopez, 32, has played 832 games and averaged 8.8 points and 5.4 rebounds since being drafted in the first round by the Phoenix Suns in 2008. He has also played with the New Orleans Hornets, Portland Trailblazers, New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls as well as the Bucks.
The Wizards were seeking a defensive center to complement starter Thomas Bryant. Bryant has proven to be a key part in Washington’s offense. However, he has struggled on the defensive end. That’s where Lopez is expected to fill the void.
Lopez is the Wizards’ third signing since free agency started Friday. Washington agreed to deal to a five-year deal to re-sign sharpshooter Davis Bertans. They also are signing Anthony Gill, who played last season in the EuroLeague, to a two-year deal.
