Karl-Anthony Towns‘s trade to and emergence in New York all but dimmed the future of their injured center, Mitchell Robinson, who the Knicks could trade soon. Even though he remains sidelined due to an injury, Robinson would likely receive offers from teams who need depth in the paint, which he could provide once healthy again. With KAT solidifying the center position for the Knicks for the foreseeable future, Robinson’s value there doesn’t carry much weight.
Knicks Could Trade Injured Center at Deadline
Mitchell Robinson’s Time in NYC Could Be Over; Knicks Reportedly Open to a Trade
According to The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III, the Knicks are speculated to open their doors to trade offers on Mitchell come the NBA’s trade deadline a week from today, Thursday. Robinson’s future status in New York has been a question mark since the start of the season when the Knicks acquired KAT in a trade for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. The trade has worked out significantly well for the Knicks; however, on the other end, the Minnesota Timberwolves have taken a step back this season. Randle is rumored to be on the trade block in just his first season with the Timberwolves.
It makes sense that the Knicks are open to trading away Robinson. He has yet to lace his shoes up this season and played in just 31 games in the 2023-24 campaign. Multiple injuries have disrupted Robinson’s career lately, and he has only reached the 60-game mark three times since entering the league in 2018. While healthy, Robinson is effective in the paint. His rim protection, size, and strength make him a stout defender and presence under the basket. So, teams that have an interest in him provided the Knicks make him available, are getting a solid player and defender. The only key factor here is health and Robison’s ability to stay healthy once he returns.
Robinson is under contract through next season at a salary of $14.3 million in 2024-25 and $12.9 million in 2025-26.
Keeping Pace in the East
The Knicks are riding a five-game win streak, including a 122-112 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday evening. However, they spent the better part of January trading wins and losses but have turned it on recently. Currently in third place in the East—a seed they’ve held onto much of the season—the Knicks appear on track for another exciting playoff run. Surprisingly enough, as it stands today, the Knicks are just one game back from the Boston Celtics. We could see the Celtics fall behind the Knicks over the coming days, which would be quite the development.
The Knicks could be active between now and the trade deadline to boost their chances of a deeper playoff run than last season. Their reported interest in Toronto Raptors forward Chris Boucher is even more intriguing, given the Robinson update. Edwards from The Athletic believes the Knicks will make a move, and Boucher would be a solid pick-up. It would also continue the Knicks’ trend of going after Raptors’ players, as they did with OG Anunoby last season.
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