Mitchell Robinson
Mitchell Robinson may not space the floor like Turner, but at 24, he still has the potential to be every bit the rim protector. The Charlotte Hornets may not have to attach as much else to get a deal done with the Knicks.
That doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be a little complicated. Robinson is set to enter restricted free agency: this would have to be a sign-and-trade. The Knicks would likely have to attach another contract to finalize this deal. Furthermore, Robinson’s price tag is unlikely to meet Hayward’s $30 million.
Luckily, that shouldn’t be too difficult for the Knicks. They have several veterans on middling contracts. A framework for this trade would probably look something like Robinson and Evan Fournier for Hayward and a protected first-round pick.
The Knicks may see enough left in Hayward to figure he can get them back into the playoff race. He may not return to his former star status, but he’s an effective secondary ball-handler who spaces the floor.
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Plus, Robinson may be destined for departure anyway. If the Knicks manage to turn a player, they’re not keeping Fournier into Gordon Hayward and a pick. That feels like a win.
Meanwhile, the Hornets get the center they need. Robinson would be an excellent lob threat to pair with LaMelo Ball in the pick-and-roll and could also clean up this team’s troubling defense.
