The New York Knicks might have just won their first title in 53 years, but they aren’t losing even 53 seconds in plotting their next moves.
After ending a title drought that had the organization praying for a single championship since their players last hoisted the Larry O’Brien trophy in 1973, the Knicks are already working on next season’s roster, seemingly siding with continuity as we head into the offseason.
Coming up next, the NBA Draft is scheduled to take place on June 23, with the Knicks having
the No. 24, No. 31, and No. 55 picks in their hands. Just one week after the draft is over, we’ll be entering free agency. And how the Knicks deal with the latter will be key to what New York achieves next season.
For starters, as Michael Zeno explained, Jose Alvarado will decide on whether or not he picks his player option. After that, however, the real business will go down. Outside of RFA Ariel Hukporti and Mo Diawara, the whole lot of Landry Shamet, Jeremy Sochan, Jordan Clarkson, and…. Mitchell Robinson will enter unrestricted free agency. And we all know the value of the man listed last in there.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, however, the Knicks are making it clear that Mitch is at the top of their offseason plans.
“Mitchell Robinson, he is an unrestricted free agent in two weeks here, and the Knicks are going to definitely try to keep him.
“[The Knicks] are about $8 million under the luxury tax line. They know they’re going over the luxury tax. They intend to make Mitchell an offer that will keep him.
“He might have some outside interest, but they’re going to make him a priority.” — ESPN’s Brian Windhorst
Robinson’s status as a true UFA has reasonably drawn attention across the NBA, particularly from teams seeking help at center, and the Knicks might have to fight some strong competition to keep him in tow, namely, that from the ever-exceptional Los Angeles Lakers, who have been linked as a potential Robinson suitor.
A little over a week ago, with the Knicks still fighting for the chip, NBA reporter Jake Fischer was the first reputed name out there connecting the dots, even if it wasn’t that much of a report, per se.
“Teams regularly relayed to me when I’ve asked around about Robinson’s status have pointed to the Bulls, Hornets, Lakers and Raptors. Those are all clubs known to be looking for center upgrades.” — Jake Fischer
Robinson finished the regular season appearing in 60 games, the most since he logged 72 in 2022, and posting averages of 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. In a smaller role through the playoffs, Mitch averaged 4.8, 5.5, and 0.6 in those respective categories.
Going New York’s way, however, is the fact that there seems to be some concerns outside of the Knicks organization regarding Robinson’s inconsistency and his obvious availability concerns in recent seasons. That should limit his market and demands, which might work out for the Knicks given the franchise’s tight cap/tax situation.
Love him or hate him, Mitch is an OG Knick and can put on solid performances without even the smallest question being asked, so if it doesn’t take the house to keep him around, New York should be fighting for his autograph.
