The New York Knicks have signaled to other NBA teams that if the right star becomes available, they will be aggressive in pursuing him.
However, the franchise has been protective of center Mitchell Robinson in trade talks, according to Fred Katz of The Athletic. Robinson isn’t untouchable, but the Knicks would prefer to keep the big man.
“The Knicks have been protective of Robinson in trade talks with other teams, league sources told The Athletic,” Katz wrote. “They are not deeming Robinson untouchable, per se, but they’ve also made it clear holding onto him is a priority. Management was particularly impressed with his playoff performance in the first round when he manhandled the Cleveland Cavaliers’ frontcourt, and coach Tom Thibodeau requires an imposing rim protector inside his defense.”
The Knicks signed Robinson to a four-year, $60 million contract last summer. The Florida native averaged 7.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks this past season while shooting 67.1% from the field. Robinson helped New York win 47 games in the regular season.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson & New York Knicks Updates
In the first round of the 2023 playoffs, the Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in five games. Robinson averaged 8.0 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks in the five-game series, outplaying Cavaliers stars Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley.
The Knicks lost to the Miami Heat in the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals in six games. Robinson averaged 5.2 points, 8.8 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in the Heat series. He finished the 2023 playoffs with averages of 6.5 points, 9.3 boards and 1.5 blocks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson & New York Knicks Updates
A Western Kentucky product, Robinson has career averages of 8.2 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 289 games with the Knicks. Katz, who covers the Knickerbockers, doesn’t see New York trading Robinson unless the franchise already has a deal lined up to acquire a rim protector who is as good as or better than him.
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