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Nerlens Noel could force Knicks to offer Mitchell Robinson more money

By Jordanna Clark

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 09: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks dunks the ball against Dorian Finney-Smith #10 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on March 09, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 09: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks dunks the ball against Dorian Finney-Smith #10 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on March 09, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Is Mitchell Robinson going to be with the New York Knicks next year? The issue is that Robinson could be offered more money from another team if he doesn’t sign an extension with New York and enters free agency in July. Yet perhaps Nerlens Noel will be enough to ensure that Robinson stays with the Knicks.

The center’s injury history complicates the matter. If you’ve watched Robinson’s performance on the court over the past few months, you’re well aware that the front office should do everything that they can to retain him.

In February of 2021, Robinson broke his hand and missed 15 games before breaking his foot in March and sitting out for the remainder of the season. Because of those two injuries, he played in a total of 30 games last year.

While Leon Rose likely wants to do all that he can to extend Robinson, the organization can’t offer the center more than a five-year, $55 million contract. It’s been rumored that Robinson will draw around $12 to $13 million annually if he enters free agency.

What does Noel have to do with all of this? Well, for starters, he’s played in a total of 25 games this season and there’s a good chance that he’ll be out for the rest of the year.

Will Nerlens Noel’s injury convince Knicks to offer Mitchell Robinson more money?

Before the start of the 2021-22 season, the Knicks re-signed Noel to a three-year, $32 million contract.

Theoretically, Robinson’s worth more money than Noel, right? Given the amount of time that Noel’s been on the court this year, New York overpaid him (which will also make it difficult to find a trade partner).

Noel’s averaging 5.6 rebounds, 3.4 points, and 1.2 blocks this season in comparison to Robinson’s 8.8 rebounds, 8.4 points, and 1.7 blocks in the 61 games that he’s played in.

Robinson’s agent Rich Paul can refer back to Noels’ contract and his production to try to garner more money for his client which he likely has already done. As if that isn’t enough, the Knicks’ hands are tied because Noel is currently sidelined with plantar fasciitis.

After this season, Noel will still have two years left on his contract and like Robinson, his injury history is a concern given how this year went.

If Robinson walks this summer, New York will be left with Noel and Jericho Sims. Sure, the Knicks can then sign another center in free agency but at the age of 23 (soon to be 24), Robinson’s the type of player that the team wants to keep and build around.

If he signs elsewhere, surely the front office will regret offering Noel a three-year contract worth $11 million annually last August. If only Rose would’ve known then what he knows now.

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