Statements
The New York Knicks are facing a pivotal offseason, as their front office, led by Leon Rose, evaluates potential trades and re-signing opportunities.
Central to these considerations is center Mitchell Robinson, whose value on the market is being gauged amid an offseason that could see the Knicks’ payroll increase significantly.
According to reports, several teams, including the Washington Wizards, have shown interest in acquiring Robinson.
Mitchell Robinson’s Market Value
At 26 years old, Mitchell Robinson is one of the best rebounders in the NBA. Prior to suffering a stress fracture in his left ankle in December, Robinson was playing some of the best defense of his career.
This level of play has intrigued several teams, including the Washington Wizards, who finished last season ranked 28th in defensive efficiency and last in offensive and rebounding percentage.
Despite these talks, it's important to note that New York is not necessarily shopping Robinson. Leon Rose's front office is merely gauging the market to assess Robinson's trade value, especially in an offseason where the Knicks' payroll might increase significantly.
Robinson appeared in only 31 regular-season games this past season, which has sparked concerns among executives regarding his ankle. However, despite these concerns, many still view Robinson's contract as a bargain.
Isaiah Hartenstein’s Emergence
Isaiah Hartenstein, who stepped up following Robinson's injury, is another significant figure in the Knicks' offseason plans. With Hartenstein heading into free agency, the Knicks are keen on re-signing him. They can offer Hartenstein a four-year deal worth $72.5 million using their Early Bird rights.
Hartenstein's performance in Robinson's absence has undoubtedly increased his market value, and he might find more lucrative offers from other teams on the open market. However, the Knicks reportedly want Hartenstein back and recognize the value of having two starting-caliber centers on their roster. This puts the Knicks in a delicate situation as they must balance the financial implications of re-signing Hartenstein and possibly retaining Robinson.
Additional Offseason Considerations
The Knicks are also looking to re-sign OG Anunoby, another soon-to-be free agent, and potentially exercise a $19 million team option on Bojan Bogdanovic. If all three—Hartenstein, Anunoby, and Bogdanovic—return, the Knicks could find themselves well over the luxury tax threshold.
This makes the decision regarding Robinson even more critical, as the front office must consider whether bringing back both Hartenstein and Robinson is the best use of their resources. Meanwhile, the Washington Wizards’ interest in Robinson could be significantly influenced by their selection in the upcoming NBA draft. Holding the No. 2 pick, the Wizards have the chance to acquire a top-tier prospect like big man Alex Sarr. If they decide to draft Sarr, their pursuit of Robinson might wane, as they would have a promising young center to develop.
Future Implications
The Knicks have several critical decisions to make this offseason, all of which will shape the team's future success. The potential to re-sign Isaiah Hartenstein and OG Anunoby, coupled with the financial implications of these moves, underscores the importance of the Knicks' front office making calculated and strategic decisions. Balancing a possible trade involving Mitchell Robinson with the desire to retain key players will be a complex but necessary task.
Ultimately, the Knicks recognize the value of having two starting-caliber centers on their roster. If they manage to re-sign Hartenstein, they will need to carefully weigh their trade options involving Robinson. Bringing back both players could stretch the team’s financial resources, pushing them into luxury tax territory, but the potential rewards on the court could make it worthwhile. As the offseason progresses, the decisions made by Leon Rose and his team will reveal their strategy to build a competitive roster while managing financial constraints.
The Knicks' moves will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they navigate the intricate landscape of NBA trades and free agency.