The center depth chart for the New York Knicks could look a lot different this summer. That is because their starter the last few seasons, Mitchell Robinson, is heading into unrestricted NBA free agency and there is a real chance that he doesn’t return to the team.
The two sides don’t seem to be particularly close in negotiations. The most that the Knicks can offer is $55.6 million over four years. Robinson would like to get as close as possible to that number, but New York has seemingly been unwilling to approach what he is looking for.
As a result, it sounds like Robinson will be allowed to test the market and could end up with a new franchise. The Detroit Pistons are one team that has been linked to him thus far. With such a limited number of teams projected to have cap space, that could actually help New York as he won’t find as robust of a market as he could normally.
Looking to recoup assets instead of losing their starting center for nothing, the Knicks should be willing to work out a sign-and-trade. If that is the case, his market will expand because more teams will be able to get in on the bidding.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: New York Knicks Could Use NBA Draft For Mitchell Robinson’s Replacement
One team that could be in the market for a new center this offseason is the Golden State Warriors. Their starter, Kevon Looney, is entering free agency himself and could price himself out of their range.
If that is the case, Robinson is someone Golden State could turn their attention to. He would be considerably cheaper than someone such as Rudy Gobert to acquire. What could it take to strike a deal?
Here are two sign-and-trade ideas that would land Robinson in the Bay Area.