The asking price for New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson is multiple first-round picks, according to NBA insider Vincent Goodwill of Yahoo Sports.
The Knicks have signaled to other teams that if the right star becomes available, they will be aggressive in pursuing him. However, the franchise has been protective of Robinson in trade talks, according to NBA reporter 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.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks Updates
The Knicks signed Robinson to a four-year, $60 million contract last offseason. The Florida native averaged 7.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 2022-23 while shooting 67.1% from the field. Robinson helped New York win 47 games in the regular season.
In the first round of the 2023 NBA 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 NBA 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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