Every NBA team has its own model for success. Some are more efficient than others. For example, take the Golden State Warriors. This team’s model has been unimpeachable. The Warriors have been a modern-day dynasty.
Part of this team’s model has involved looking for value-based production at the 5 spot. In other words, the Warriors don’t usually roster an All-Star big man. Instead, they look for solid role players at that position. When this team’s dynasty got underway, it was Andrew Bogut. In recent years, it’s been Kevon Looney.
It’s been a successful model. Could the Warriors tinker with it? If they were to make a major upgrade at the 5, could it make them more devastating? How about Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks?
The Trade Proposal
New York Knicks Receive: C Kevon Looney, G/F Gary Payton III, 2026 First-Round Pick (GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: C Mitchell Robinson
At first, the Warriors’ model was met with skepticism. Remember the words of Charles Barkley? The NBA legend said that a jump shooting team would never win an NBA championship. Right. So much for that.
The Warriors have won four. They could win more. In fairness to Barkley, this wasn’t a tried and tested model. It was revolutionary. When the Warriors moved Draymond Green to the 5, they changed basketball. Suddenly, every team needed a Death Lineup.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks & Golden State Warriors Updates
With that said, this revolution may be coming to an end. The Warriors are aging. They can’t be a dynasty forever. Still, the Warriors could have one more title run in them. Would Robinson help them make that run?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
This is a strange case for the Warriors. On the one hand, they’re getting good value. Robinson is more impactful than Looney. At the same time, Looney is comfortable with their system and a staple of their culture. If the Warriors want to pass on this move, that would be fair enough.
On the other hand…Robinson is more impactful than Looney. Frankly, it’s not especially close. Robinson has developed into one of the best defensive big men in the NBA. He’s an elite rim protector who can survive in space. In theory, he should make the Warriors a better team.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks & Golden State Warriors Updates
Offensively, Robinson has publicly campaigned for a larger role in New York. If he’s capable of handling one, he’ll find it in Steve Kerr’s freewheeling system. Otherwise, his ability to space the floor vertically as a lob threat would still give this attack a new dimension. Should the Knicks lose that dimension in their offense?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
That same public campaign is part of why the Knicks would do this deal. If Robinson is unhappy, that’s an incentive to move him on its own. Having a dissatisfied player in the locker room is never ideal.
Here, the Knicks bring two quality rotation players into their locker room. Looney can replicate some of Robinson’s production. With Isaiah Hartenstein on the roster, the Knicks will still be reasonably strong at the 5. Meanwhile, Payton III is a versatile defender who can play multiple positions.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks & Golden State Warriors Updates
Still, the first-round pick is the most valuable component of this deal for the Knicks. The Knicks are already well-positioned to eventually make a move for a star. This deal strengthens that position. If that’s the model that the Knicks want to use, they’ll like this trade.
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