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Knicks Trade Rumors: Pelicans have interest in Mitchell Robinson

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 26: Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks looks on during the first half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2019 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 26: Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks looks on during the first half of the game against the Orlando Magic at Madison Square Garden on February 26, 2019 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Mitchell Robinson was the brightest spot for the New York Knicks in 2018-19. Now, the New Orleans Pelicans reportedly have interest in trading for him.

SNY’s Ian Begley reported earlier Friday that the New Orleans Pelicans “were gathering intel” on New York Knicks forward Kevin Knox. While Begley said it’s normal for teams to seek information on opposing players, it comes amid Anthony Davis‘ unknown future in the Bayou and New York’s interest before the trade deadline.

Well, stretch New Orleans’ interest one player further to, perhaps, the most exciting player on New York’s roster: Mitchell Robinson.

Per Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Pelicans have interest in the young shot blocker, who’s from New Orleans, and indeed like Knox.

The only move that makes sense is for Davis, but the Pelicans probably need more, or a “package,” as Berman noted. That likely headlines with Zion Williamson, pending the Knicks win the lottery and even willingly move this top pick.

Since Robinson showed much promise in his rookie season, ESPN’s Bobby Marks laid out a scenario for Davis to Berman: Williamson, Knox, Frank Ntilikina and both first-round picks the Mavericks sent in the Kristaps Porzingis trade.

A sky-high price for someone with just one year of control left, but if the Knicks want Robinson around, it will take a haul otherwise to attain one of the NBA’s premier big men.

Hypothetically trading Robinson, though, it’s a risk after his growth from start to finish in 2018-19. The shot blocking only improved, and the freakish feats of athleticism were unlike most players of his size.

Plus, in an NBA that needs more rim protectors with teams taking fewer mid-range shots and more near the rim or behind the arc, Robinson is a necessity. Pair him with Davis, even with that deal Marks created, and it’s a force to be reckoned with. That’s along with Kevin Durant, making an incredible frontcourt of size.

The Pelicans’ interest in Robinson and Knox might mean nothing, as well, with other teams able to put packages together for Davis, including the Boston Celtics and their young players and picks. A surprise suitor — like the Toronto Raptors jumping for Kawhi Leonard in 2018 — can happen, since it’s just a one-year rental.

Leverage is not on New Orleans’ side, either, after the midseason trade request. The public knows Davis wants out, and while he could stay put, a break-up seems plausible.

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The Pelicans’ interest in Robinson is only via report, for now. Anything can happen in the always-chaotic NBA offseason, but moving one of the game’s most intriguing big men would raise an eyebrow.

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