The New York Knicks put together a very successful 2023-24 season, clinching the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 50-32 record. Unfortunately, they were ultimately bounced out in the second round of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers, but multiple injuries across their roster played a large role in that fact. Now, entering the offseason, New York is looking to solidify itself in the East. The Knicks have a few pieces on the roster that they can move around.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Knicks have started contacting opposing teams about the availability of center Mitchell Robinson. Robinson has dealt with injuries over the last bit of time with the team and they seem ready to move on, especially if free agent Isaiah Hartenstein returns.
“Hartenstein, at this moment, is now generally expected to return to New York, as the Knicks have contacted opposing teams about moving Mitchell Robinson, sources said. There appears to be a wide range of starting-caliber big men available for trade,” Fischer writes.
Robinson has been a key member of the Knicks since he was selected in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft. He has gotten better each season, especially on the defensive end of the floor, although he has struggled to stay healthy. Robinson could be a highly sought-after trade chip for teams, given the new emphasis on teams getting bigger. We saw in the postseason that teams with more size tended to have more success so a shift could be coming around the league.
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Last season, Robinson averaged 5.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game for New York. He only played in 31 games this season which could give some teams pause. Robinson has two years left on the contract he signed with the Knicks, being owed $14 million this season and then $12 million in the 2025-26 season. Compared to some of the contracts being handed out around the league right now, Robinson’s could be considered a steal if he can remain healthy and on the floor.
His defensive presence alone could be a major factor for a team and help elevate a contender to the next level. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and others could make a play for him to increase the overall size on their respective rosters.
New York would likely want at least one first-round pick for Robinson which isn’t a high price to pay for a quality center around the league. While it remains to be seen what New York will do with Robinson, his time with the Knicks may be coming to a close this offseason.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.