Basketball fans expecting the New York Knicks to radically change their roster before next week’s trade deadline will be sorely disappointed.
But the team could still make tweaks that some people saw coming.
For example, James L. Edwards III is reporting that the Knicks are “open” to the idea of trading big man Mitchell Robinson.
Given his history and health, this isn’t surprising.
“League sources told The Athletic that they are under the impression that the Knicks are open to moving the oft-injured Robinson, who will make $14.3 million this season and $12.9 million next season. The big man, who has been a defensive anchor for New York for several seasons, underwent foot surgery in May and has yet to play in a game this season. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said this week that Robinson is not practicing with the team and just began running and jumping,” Edwards wrote, per NBACentral.
The Knicks are reportedly open to trading Mitchell Robinson, per @JLEdwardsIII
“League sources told The Athletic that they are under the impression that the Knicks are open to moving the oft-injured Robinson, who will make $14.3 million this season and $12.9 million next… pic.twitter.com/EUngloePHK
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 30, 2025
Robinson has been a literal big help for the Knicks when he’s been healthy.
However, the problem is that he rarely seems to stay healthy.
He has been out all season long as he has recovered from surgery and the Knicks have missed his strong presence in the frontcourt and particularly in the paint.
He has an average of 8.0 points and 7.9 rebounds for his career and has been a crucial part of New York’s lineup since joining the team in 2018-19.
However, the Knicks are doing quite well without Robinson, which is a sign that they are ready to move on from him.
They are the third team in the East, right behind the Boston Celtics, and would love to move up to the second spot.
They could do that by trading away players they no longer rely on, such as Robinson.
Even with his injuries, he could fetch the Knicks an impressive return if the front office plays its cards right.
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