Knicks Might Dangle Mitchell Robinson In Trade Talks

The Knicks haven’t yet made a move ahead of next week’s trade deadline, but James L. Edwards III of The Athletic suspects that will change. New York is third in the East, just 1.0 games behind the Celtics for second. According to Edwards, the Knicks appear to be open to moving Mitchell Robinson via trade.

Trading their long-tenured center could represent a way to improve the roster without touching the current rotation. Robinson hasn’t played yet this season while dealing with an ankle injury. He appeared in 31 games with the Knicks last season and has been on the team since being drafted in the second round in 2018.

The Knicks want to keep their starting lineup in place, but have been exploring the backup center market. Edwards adds the Knicks won’t attach draft capital to move Robinson since they’re a bit depleted in that respect after acquiring Mikal Bridges.

On the other hand, because of Robinson’s injury situation and history, Ian Begley of SNY doesn’t expect the Knicks to get much in return for their center. The Knicks don’t typically trade players at their lowest, so it might not be likely that Robinson ends up being moved.

He’s the perfect player for what they need [behind Towns],” an Eastern Conference exec said to Begley. “Why trade him now?

Another point against trading Robinson is his familiarity and favorability within the franchise.

Of all the players on New York’s roster, the player viewed as most likely to be moved ahead of the deadline is backup big Jericho Sims, Edwards writes. Adding someone on the wings who makes about the same as Sims could be a move the Knicks explore, with Edwards pointing to Javonte Green of New Orleans as a potential option.

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