New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson has made a noticeable impact since returning from offseason ankle surgery. After missing the first 58 games of the season, his absence sparked trade speculation, as his history of injuries raised concerns about his long-term reliability. While the Knicks ultimately chose to retain him past the trade deadline, questions remain about his future with the team beyond this season.
Knicks May Consider Trading Mitchell Robinson This Offseason
Despite being a dominant force under the rim and a strong defensive presence, Robinson’s durability remains a major concern for the Knicks. According to Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale, New York may explore trading Robinson in the summer, potentially putting him back on the trade block to create roster flexibility.
“Robinson on a $12.9 million expiring deal has to be the first name on the docket,” Favale stated. “The New York Knicks otherwise lack real matching salary—unless you think they’ll break up the remaining three Villanova Wildcats, move OG Anunoby, or consider cutting bait on the Karl-Anthony Towns experiment.”
The Knicks are approaching the second apron of the salary cap, limiting their ability to make meaningful roster improvements unless they shed some contracts. Given Robinson’s history of missing extended time—he has been sidelined for at least 50 regular-season games in each of the past two seasons—he could be the most logical trade candidate to create cap space and improve depth.
Knicks’ Urgent Need for Bench Scoring
If New York decides to part ways with Robinson, they could use his trade value to acquire much-needed scoring off the bench. The Knicks currently rank last in the NBA in bench points, struggling to generate offense outside of their starting unit. Their second unit also lacks reliable shot creation, particularly in the backcourt, making it imperative for the front office to address this weakness in the offseason.
While trading Robinson would help the Knicks acquire depth, it also comes with significant risks. He serves as the team’s defensive anchor, providing much-needed rim protection—especially considering Karl-Anthony Towns’ struggles on that end of the floor. His ability to control the paint has been invaluable, and replacing his defensive impact wouldn’t be easy.
However, availability is often the most crucial ability in the NBA, and Robinson’s injury history makes him an unreliable piece of the puzzle. The Knicks must carefully evaluate whether holding onto him is worth the risk or if it’s time to move on and bring in more durable contributors.
Regardless of what happens with Robinson, improving their bench production will be a top priority for the Knicks this summer. If they want to take the next step toward serious title contention, securing reliable scorers and playmakers off the bench will be a must.
