Trade rumors surrounding the New York Knicks have intensified recently. Amid a tough stretch of 5-6 basketball, fans and media alike are speculating about how Tom Thibodeau’s group can improve. One big concern is the heavy minutes played by starters due to their lack of depth. Another is their lackluster defense at times this season, especially against contenders with elite ball-handlers. All this discourse sparked trade talks around center Mitchell Robinson, as he recovers from foot surgery caused by an injury in last year’s playoffs.
The Knicks desperately need Robinson’s presence in the lineup, but he is also unreliable health-wise, and is their most valuable trade asset. It all makes for a tough decision for GM Leon Rose, but here’s why the Knicks shouldn’t trade Mitchell Robinson as he approaches a February return to action.
The Knicks hold “solid belief” that Mitchell Robinson will return to the court around early February, says @IanBegley
Jonas Valanciunas is a name to keep an eye on if the Knicks elect to move on from Robinson
Ian, @JLEdwardsIII, and @SirDennyBlanco on The Putback with Ian… pic.twitter.com/iz6z9T2vIN
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) January 14, 2025
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Why Knicks Shouldn’t Trade Mitchell Robinson as Return Nears
He Completely Transforms Their Identity
When healthy, (and thats a BIG if) Robinson can solve so many issues for this team. He instantly turns them into one of the league’s best rebounding teams. New York was first and second, respectively, in rebounding percentage with Robinson at the helm the last two seasons, and is only sixth this season. As for offensive rebounding, they were also first and second in 2024/2023, but plummeted to 13th without him.
Pairing the Western Kentucky product with Karl-Anthony Towns, the NBA’s second-leading rebounder at 13.9, could help regain the identity that made Thibs’ group so dangerous the past couple of years despite inferior talent. Bringing back the toughness and physical intensity with their increased skill could help this squad reach their ceiling.
Robinson is also a Knick lifer who embodies the Thibodeau culture. This identity resonates with fans, reminiscent of the 90’s Knicks, who would punch you in the mouth before letting you get a bucket. For a team who has been walked over by elite offenses all year long, he would provide such a boost. Robinson is the longest tenured Knick, and the only player left from the struggles. He deserves a chance to contribute to their championship chase.
Mitch is More Than a Rim Protector
Although “Big Mitch” is known primarily for his crazy blocks and absurd feats of athleticism, he actually brings much more to the table. Offensively, while he definitely has his weaknesses (lack of shooting hurts spacing, free throws), he is a tremendous lob finisher, offensive rebounder, and screener. His insane vertical and rangy wingspan allows him to provide elite vertical spacing for Jalen Brunson in the paint. Anytime a rim defender wants to step up on Brunson’s floater, it’s an easy lob for Robinson, who dunks everything.
He is a great screener, both on and off the ball. Every ball-handler on the team will thrive running pick-and-roll with him, and he provides an improvement over Towns’ screens and above-the-rim finishing capability. Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby will enjoy coming off Robinson’s screens for spot-up threes or curls to the rim.
Defensively, Robinson is also more than just a guy who blocks shots. He is an versatile defender who can credibly switch on screens and at least stay with perimeter players. Contrasted with Towns getting beat to the rim or allowing open jumpers in drop coverage, he’s a breath of fresh air. His return will allow Thibs to run bigger lineups next to Towns and Anunoby. He also can put a defensive juggernaut on the floor anytime NY needs a stop, with Deuce McBride, Bridges, Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Robinson.
Overall, Mitch’s presence gives the Knicks different offensive looks, while also transforming their defense and physicality.
Robinson is the Best Center on the Market
Another reason Rose should be hesitant to move Robinson is he’s likely the best center option on the market anyways. Jonas Valanciunas, Daniel Gafford, Isaiah Stewart, and many others have been mentioned as possible center swaps for New York, but none of these players fit better with the Knicks than Robinson himself. Not only does he bring immense value on both sides, he perfectly represents NY’s identity and is a fan-favorite.
If the Knicks could build a $14M center in a lab to fit their needs, it would be Mitchell Robinson. While the health concerns are real, and a healthy return isn’t yet certain, their best value is to keep him. If he comes back as expected in February, the Knicks instantly become a more legitimate Finals contender.
The post Why Knicks Shouldn’t Trade Mitchell Robinson as Return Nears appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.