The NBA’s trade market may be resetting. For a while, it looked like it was getting out of control. Teams were sending obscene draft capital out to improve their team. Now, teams seem more weary of parting with their future.
Look at the return that the Portland Trail Blazers received for Damian Lillard. In total, they got a first-round pick and two pick swaps. Granted, they also received Jrue Holiday, who, by all accounts, they intend on trading for draft capital. Still, this is a far cry from the four unprotected first-round picks the Utah Jazz received for Rudy Gobert.
With that in mind, the New York Knicks are allegedly seeking “multiple first-round picks” for Mitchell Robinson. We’ll see about that. Robinson is among the best defensive big men in the NBA, but he’s limited on the offensive end. Could the Knicks settle for a pair of first-rounders from the Chicago Bulls?
The Trade Proposal
New York Knicks Receive: G Coby White, C Andre Drummond, 2026 First-Round Pick (CHI), 2028 First-Round Pick (CHI)
Chicago Bulls Receive: C Mitchell Robinson
Did the league’s market spiral out of control? Gobert wasn’t the only player to yield a disproportionate amount of draft capital. The Atlanta Hawks sent the San Antonio Spurs three unprotected first-rounders for Dejounte Murray. How did the Spurs get more draft capital than the Blazers?
Is it a matter of supply or a matter of demand? It’s possible that a flurry of big deals altered the market. Now, any contender who’d make such a trade has already spent their draft capital. The supply isn’t there. On the other hand, the demand may not be either.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, Chicago Bulls & New York Knicks Updates
After all, sending out a massive amount of draft capital for one player is a risk. If it doesn’t work out, they’re shortchanging their future without doing enough for their present. So far, that’s appeared to be the case for both the Timberwolves and the Hawks. Should the Bulls even send out this much draft capital for Robinson?
Why The Chicago Bulls Do The Deal
One thing is clear: the Bulls need to make a change. Still, this isn’t the change that some fans would have their team make. One could argue that Chicago should be the team on the receiving end of draft capital instead.
Fair. Perhaps that’s true. That said, the Bulls don’t seem to have any intention of rebuilding. If that’s the case, they need to do something differently. This would mark a major shift. Arguably, Robinson is the exact opposite of the current starting big man, Nikola Vucevic.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, Chicago Bulls & New York Knicks Updates
Vucevic is a floor-spacing big who can make plays for his teammates. He can also be a defensive liability. Robinson is an elite defender with a limited offensive game. Following this deal, the Bulls could look to move Vucevic as soon as possible. With whatever return they get, they could benefit from bringing in a defensive anchor like Robinson. Should the Knicks part with such a great defensive big?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
By now, it feels like a foregone conclusion that the Knicks will move Robinson. We’ve been hearing these rumors for a long time. We’ve even heard Robinson publicly complain about his role in New York. This may be a mere matter of time.
What should the Knicks look for in exchange for Robinson? Frankly, they might as well look for draft capital. The Knicks have already got an impressive collection, and here, they’re landing a pair of new first-round picks. In time, they’d likely use those picks to make a trade for a star.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, Chicago Bulls & New York Knicks Updates
In the meantime, White could be a valuable reserve for this team. He could carry New York’s second unit. Finally, Drummond can be a placeholder for Mitchell. Now, the Knicks need to accept the terms of the league’s new market and settle on a pair of picks for Robinson.
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