The Knicks might find their best option for securing a center to pair with Mitchell Robinson by waiting until the trade deadline next season. They recently added Precious Achiuwa on a one-year, $6 million deal, which provides solid depth at power forward and center. However, they still need a reliable starting center, especially given Robinson’s injury history.
Robinson has only played over 70 games once in his career and appeared in just 31 games last season. The Knicks need to plan for potential worst-case scenarios, including the possibility of him missing playoff games due to injury.
Trade Deadline Strategy
A trade during the season could be the most practical solution. This approach would allow the Knicks to assess their needs and potentially acquire a player at a lower cost. Waiting ensures that the player is healthy at the time of acquisition, avoiding the risk of a premature trade for someone who might be injured.
Fred Katz of The Athletic mentioned that teams might have an easier time defending Jalen Brunson without Isaiah Hartenstein. He suggested a few potential targets, including Phoenix Suns center Jusuf Nurkic, known as the “Bosnian Beast.”
Nurkic, standing at 7 feet and weighing 290 pounds, averaged 10.9 points, 11 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and shot 51.0% from the field last season. At 29 years old, he played 76 games and could offer similar attributes to Hartenstein. However, the Knicks would need to take on his salary of $18.1 million for the upcoming season, potentially paying around half that amount if acquired via trade, and $19.4 million for the 2025–26 season.
Championship Contenders or Early Exit?
While Nurkic might be a costly addition, he could be crucial for a championship run. Robinson’s inconsistency is a concern, and while Achiuwa adds defensive value, he isn’t reliable as a primary center on a daily basis.
The Knicks and Suns could be a good match for a trade, but this depends on the Suns’ performance this season. With Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, the Suns might not be inclined to trade Nurkic if they remain competitive. If the Suns struggle by the trade deadline, they might consider moving him.
Another potential option is Clint Capela, a strong rebounder whose contract expires after the upcoming season. This would relieve the Knicks from committing to a long-term deal.
