As we head toward the Thursday, February 6th NBA trade deadline, every team has to consider moving off different players. For the New York Knicks, their biggest trade asset appeared to be center Mitchell Robinson. His $14.3M salary allows New York to match money with other possible trade partners if they wanted to take a bigger swing at an expensive player. Tom Thibodeau’s group has clearly had depth concerns this season, leading to the “minutes police” debate within the fanbase. Robinson was rumored as the most likely piece to be traded to solve those concerns. However, as he nears a return to the court, New York will keep him past the trade deadline.
Knicks Taking Coveted Target Mitchell Robinson Off Trade Block
SNY’s Ian Begley reports that the Knicks aren’t considering moving Robinson before tomorrow at 6 PM Eastern. Instead, backup big man Jericho Sims will likely be traded for additional depth. This news comes days after New York received promising updates on Robinson’s recovery process, as he was cleared for full contact as he returns to practice. There was some buzz about a possible Austin Reaves-Robinson swap with the Lakers after the shocking Luka Dončić trade left LA without a center. That chatter has died down, and Robinson should be a Knick through the end of the year.
.@IanBegley with some Knicks updates ahead of the trade deadline:
Knicks are “not talking about” Mitchell Robinson: “I don’t think there’s anything there”
Jericho Sims trade remains “likely”
Ian, @NYPost_Berman and @JCMacriNBA on The Putback with @IanBegley:… pic.twitter.com/oeHLPwsxuN
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) February 5, 2025
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Robinson’s Return Should Be the Depth Upgrade NY Needs
Sims Trade Can Bring in Additional Depth
Much of the talk surrounding a potential Robinson trade centered on the Knicks’ lack of depth beyond their five starters. We’ve all heard plenty about the heavy minutes those five guys have shouldered to the detriment of the team. However, Thibodeau has gone to a nine-man rotation for the past eight games, bringing Mile ‘Deuce’ McBride, Cameron Payne, Landry Shamet, and Precious Achiuwa off the pine. New York is 7-1 against a difficult schedule since that change. The squad looks much more energized on a nightly basis with the reduced minutes and is playing better on both ends of the floor.
With Robinson looking like he’ll be back after the All-Star Break, NY can survive three more games without him. The Western Kentucky product instantly changes the team’s outlook. He gives them another guy Thibs trusts to play 20-plus minutes a night. More importantly, he completely transforms the defensive identity back to the classic Knicks of the Thibs era. Robinson provides a big look with Karl-Anthony Towns at the four, which suits KAT much better defensively. He will also anchor lockdown bench units featuring him next to McBride and Achiuwa.
Leon Rose can also move Sims at the deadline to bring in a quality role player on the wing. The Knicks need to upgrade Shamet’s spot as the swingman for the second unit, and Sims could easily fetch that on the trade market.
Good News on OG Anunoby Injury Helps
New York could be considering the positive injury update on OG Anunoby in their decision to keep Robinson. Anunoby’s scary non-contact injury on Saturday against the Lakers caused some panic within the organization and fanbase. This sparked some discourse about exchanging Robinson’s $14.3M for multiple role players, especially considering his injury struggles. Fortunately, Anunoby seems to have only suffered a mild foot sprain and is listed as day-to-day. With the All-Star Break coming at a perfect time, NY should be able to withstand his absence. It appears that the Knicks will deal Sims for depth, hang onto Robinson, and wait for Anunoby to return.
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