DHJ Quick Take: Mitchell Robinson’s Knicks Tenure Nears an End
Stefan Bondy reported that Mitchell Robinson is unlikely to re-sign with New York, with owner James Dolan unwilling to push payroll into the second apron. The unrestricted free agent is the franchise’s longest-tenured player.
- What did Stefan Bondy report? That Robinson is unlikely to return because Dolan will not spend into the second apron, leaving the bench difficult to run back.
- Why might Robinson leave? New York’s commitment to staying under the second apron makes re-signing him hard if he draws stronger offers, which he is expected to.
- Who else is interested? The Sacramento Kings have been floated as a threat, in part because general manager Scott Perry drafted Robinson in 2018.
- What’s next? NBA free agency opens June 30 at 5 p.m. CT, when teams can begin negotiating with free agents from other rosters.
Mitchell Robinson‘s long run with the New York Knicks may be nearing its end. New York Post reporter Stefan Bondy said Wednesday that Robinson is unlikely to re-sign with the team, as owner James Dolan is unwilling to push the team’s payroll into the NBA’s second apron.
Bondy reported that Dolan’s reluctance to spend into the second apron makes it unrealistic to run the roster back with its current bench. Robinson, an unrestricted free agent and the franchise’s longest-tenured player, is the most prominent name caught in that math.
The report lines up with what other insiders have described. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said this week that there is “a real possibility that they won’t keep Mitch Robinson,” and SNY’s Ian Begley reported that New York is operating as if it will remain under the second apron, a stance that makes re-signing Robinson difficult if he receives strong offers elsewhere.
New York Spent the Draft Trimming Costs
The Knicks used the draft to preserve that flexibility. Vice president of basketball and strategic planning Brock Aller executed four trades in roughly 10 minutes Tuesday night, moving New York out of the first round, adding five future second-round picks, and creating about $3.2 million in additional room.
According to ESPN salary cap analyst Bobby Marks, the moves pushed the Knicks’ cushion below the second apron from roughly $13 million to about $16.2 million.
Robinson, who averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 19.6 minutes per game last season, remained a central piece of New York’s run to its first championship since 1973. He earned about $12.9 million in the final year of a four-year, $60 million contract and is expected to command a raise on the open market, particularly from a team willing to offer a larger role.
Sacramento Kings Looming as a Threat?
The Sacramento Kings have been floated as a possible landing spot. General manager Scott Perry drafted Robinson in the second round in 2018 while working in New York’s front office and has remained a supporter.
Robinson’s free-throw shooting could limit his market, as he hit just 40.8% from the line in the regular season and 35.1% in the playoffs, though his rim protection and offensive rebounding remain valuable to contenders.
Robinson is not the only Knick facing an uncertain future. Guards Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson are also set for unrestricted free agency, and Jose Alvarado holds a player option. NBA free agency opens June 30 at 5 p.m. CT, when teams can begin negotiating with free agents from other rosters.
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