Knicks center Mitchell Robinson has recently popped up in trade rumors. According to Ian Begley of SNY.tv, the Wizards are among the teams who have talked to New York about Robinson.
Known as a strong defensive player, Robinson was limited to 31 games in 2023/24 due to injuries, including two different surgeries on his left ankle. The second surgery, which took place in May, ended the 26-year-old’s season.
Despite his lengthy injury history, Robinson could appeal to rival teams as a starting-caliber big man with a declining contract. He’ll earn $14.3MM in ’24/25 and just under $13MM in ’25/26.
Begley previously cited the Lakers, Grizzlies and Pelicans as teams “closely monitoring” the market for centers this offseason.
According to Begley, the Knicks have been evaluating their options at the five in case they lose Isaiah Hartenstein in free agency or trade Robinson. Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported that New York appears to be in the driver’s seat to re-sign Hartenstein.
Begley hears Magic center Goga Bitadze is a player the Knicks would have interest in if they end up needing depth in the middle. Bitadze is an unrestricted free agent.
If the Knicks were to give up Robinson & pay big $ to Hartenstein I would have to laugh. This would be a good look for DC tho. It would be sorta similar to when the Hawks stole Clint from Houston about 5yrs ago. I’m guessing they would only do this if SAS or some other team trade up to snag Sarr before they can. If that happens they could just draft Risacher at 2 & trade Kispert for Robinson. Not a bad fallback option at all.
Trading Robinson won’t make a difference on what contract they can give Hartenstein. My guess is they don’t make a move here until they know how the Hartenstein part plays out.
If they don’t I will be super puzzled personally.
Trading Robinson would mean that they’re definitely bringing Hartenstein back & he’d most likely be paid like a starter. That would be laughable.
Mitch Career
Age 26
6 seasons 320 games played
Average 53 games played/season
Rebounds per game: 8
Rebounds per 36 minutes: 12
IMO
Mitch has a positive value
Mitch = 15th pick this year
Who says no?
Mitch to Lakers for Vanderbilt.
Randle might be gone this season
No.
Money doesn’t even match up.
Why…? Wiz should not be trading any assets for players, only acquiring.
If they want to fleece the Suns more they trade Poole and Holmes for Beal and #22.
The wiz don’t have a center lol
Robinson to the grizzlies makes a ton of sense.
They need a centre with Steven gone. Robinson is a very good rebounder and defender and on the same timeline as JJJ Ja and the rest of those boys.
Kennard, Aldama and 9th pick for Robinson and the 20th pick?
Knicks get back Kennard (salary matching, expiring contract), Aldama a decent young stretch big and a top 10 pick. Grizzlies remain in the draft but get a long term starting centre who ready to win now rather than trying to move up in the draft for a Sarr/Clingan and still need time to develop such a player. At 20th in the draft they could still grab a Zach Edey if they wanted too aswell possibly.
NY on the other had could look to grab a guy like Ron Holland or Cody Williams if they want another forward or a Rob Dillingham type if they wanted an Immanuel Quickly replacement.
There’s also the possibility they use it in a package with Julius Randle for another top tier star to go alongside Brunson
Knicks are best when Robinson is on the court but that’s not been often enough
This is true. IH had/has his moments against certain centers, but Robinson was the one most effective against Embiid. MR is the stronger of the two defensively and on the boards (offensively), and can handle the bigger players while also covering the perimeter if necessary. IH works well with the team in regard to setting picks, passing, and defensive rebounding. Better offensively for sure, especially with the tear drops in the paint.
Washington is in full rebuild. Adding a starting center. Definitely makes them better. But they want to add a young one to build with. Mitch won’t like Wash. Mitch is from NO. That’s where he wants to go. Washington has nothing Knicks want.
Hawks are dumb enough to draft Risacher. So makes a Mitch trade null and void. Wash can just wait and see who Hawks take. Plus Imo Wash would rather have Risacher. Wash doesn’t need to trade for Mitch.
Exactly. Washington would rather hope edey slides and grabs him at #26(don’t see him sliding that far). Center is a position you can take a late flyer on and develop with the timeline. They aren’t giving up the assets needed for Mitch unless is was Corey K. IMO he is a part of the post Kuzma era and will be kept.
Didn’t the WIZARDS have Daniel Gafford (who’s practically a healthier version of Robinson) just some months ago? Lol.
Gafford is a solid backup. Mitch is more a starter. Imo Sarr will be there. He fits well with Wash.