The New York Knicks are in the midst of a disappointing 2021-22 NBA season. They rank 12th in the Eastern Conference standings with a 25-36 record. A critical factor in their shortcomings has been a significant regression in defensive execution.
There will be plenty of tough decisions the Knicks face in terms of personnel given it doesn’t make sense to keep an underachieving team together. Robinson, who is eligible for a contract extension, can sign for a maximum of four-years, $55 million on an extension. Will they get a deal done?
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, the New York Knicks and Mitchell Robinson were “not close” in recent contract extension talks.
“In at least one of the conversations between the Knicks and Robinson’s representation prior to the deadline, the team and player were “not close” on the terms, per an SNY source.”
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“I’d be lying if I told you I knew the exact numbers discussed at the time. But a source familiar with the talks said one of New York’s offers wasn’t close to the max that the club can offer Robinson via extension.”
In 55 appearances this season, Robinson is averaging 8.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 25.3 minutes per game. He’s converting at a 76.2 percent from the floor. The Knicks have posted a -1.8 net rating in the time Robinson has been on the floor, most notably with a 110.5 defensive rating, too.
“I’m just going to continue to play hard, see what happens,’’ Robinson told reporters. “I don’t think about it that much. I just want to hoop. That’s what I’ve got an agent for. He handles that so I can focus on basketball.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Last-Minute Predictions For NBA Buyout Market
There will be a variety of teams interested in pursuing Mitchell Robinson if he were to reach unrestricted free agency in the NBA offseason. The Detroit Pistons have already been linked to him as a potential suitor.
