Pelicans, Bucks, Knicks Among Suitors for Robin Lopez

RealGM reports that the New Orleans Pelicans and Milwaukee Bucks are interested in Portland Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez. Lopez is an unrestricted free agent,

The report notes Lopez's connection with New Orleans and new head coach Alvin Gentry.

Lopez is expected to have a list of suitors on July 1, and his connection to Pelicans coach Alvin Gentry has been clear around the NBA. Gentry coached Lopez during the seven-foot center's first four seasons with the Phoenix Suns.

The New York Knicks were also mentioned in the report, though they're the Los Angeles Lakers of the East, connected to nearly every notable free agent in one way or another.

The Portland Trail Blazers will have a voice in Lopez's decision; they reportedly want to retain him as well.

The Blazers will assuredly pursue re-signing Lopez, too. The 27-year-old big man stabilized Portland's center position over the past two seasons alongside LaMarcus Aldridge, averaging 11.1 points and 8.5 rebounds in 2014-15, and there is believed to be an interest for Lopez to play with Aldridge again next season.

The free agent negotiation period begins tonight at midnight Eastern, 9:00 p.m. Pacific.