REPORT: Knicks linked to Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas

Will New York have enough to pull off another tectonic mid-season trade?

The New York Knicks are reportedly considering a trade for Washington Wizards center Jonas Valančiūnas as uncertainty lingers around Mitchell Robinson’s recovery from ankle surgeries.

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the Knicks remain optimistic about Robinson returning to the court by early February but are exploring contingencies should his progress slow, with the Wizards center “on their radar” ahead of the trade deadline.

“I do believe that there is a solid belief that [Robinson] will be back, and they will have him back on the floor by early February. Now, do you wait that long, or do you move on and try to pick up somebody else?

“I do think Jonas Valančiūnas will be somebody that’s on their radar if they decide to move on from Mitch Robinson and decide that they need somebody else in there.” — Ian Begley.

Robinson, a key member of the Knicks rotation and supposedly a super-sub since the arrival of Karl-Anthony Towns and his deployment at the center spot, has been sidelined since the 2024 playoffs and underwent two ankle surgeries in Dec. 2023 and last May.

Last season, Mitch averaged 4.6 offensive rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game, showcasing his importance to New York’s frontcourt and proving himself as a beast in the paint. While the Knicks hope to avoid trading for a replacement, Robinson’s health remains a critical factor and the lack of depth and scoring on the bench, combined with Robinson’s subpart point-production, could lead to a mid-season trade.

That’s where Valančiūnas could help the Knicks. He represents an experienced and reliable option if Robinson isn’t ready, comes with solid offensive numbers, and can definitely put up strong figures on the boards.

The 32-year-old has posted averages of 11.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in just under 20 minutes per game—he’s started only 8 of 38 games backing up rookie Alex Sarr—this season with the lowly Wizards.

Although Washington seeks significant draft capital in return for the veteran center, per The Athletic’s David Aldridge, there’s a belief that Valanciunas could be moved for a slightly smaller package depending on what’s included in it.

“Washington’s front office would want a draft pick (or picks) that would appreciably move the team’s rebuild forward — not, for instance, late second-round picks.

“If, for example, a team would send Washington a highly paid player on a multi-year contract — a contract that would hamper the team’s future payroll flexibility — Washington almost certainly would seek a first-round pick.

“If any incoming contract in a Valančiūnas’ deal would not impair the Wizards’ long-term payroll flexibility, then more than one early second-round pick might do the trick.” — David Aldridge

In any case, Begley highlighted an ideal scenario for the Knicks in which Jonas would never dress in orange and blue threads: Robinson returning healthy and reclaiming his role, helping the Knicks make a deep postseason as currently constructed.

“In a perfect world, Mitch comes back, he’s healthy, he shows he can play, and they move forward there,” Begley said.

The NBA trade deadline is set for Feb. 6 at 3 pm ET. For now, we wait.