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NY Knicks: 4 difficult offseason realities fans must brace for

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Washington Wizards during a preseason game at Madison Square Garden on October 15, 2021 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 15: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Washington Wizards during a preseason game at Madison Square Garden on October 15, 2021 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 Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Mitchell Robinson
Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks. (Photo by Vincent Carchietta/USA TODAY Sports) /

1: Mitchell Robinson signing elsewhere

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, there’s a real possibility that Mitchell Robinson won’t sign a contract extension with the Knicks by the Jun. 30 deadline. If that happens, the 23-year-old (soon to be 24) will become an unrestricted free agent on Jul. 1.

New York’s starting center was a second-round draft pick in 2018. In his fourth season in the league, he’s averaging 8.6 rebounds, 8.4 points, and 1.8 blocks in 67 games. Robinson’s shooting 76.3% from the field with an average of 4.7 attempts per game.

Robinson’s stock has taken a big jump this year. Down low, the seven-foot center is a solid rebounder who can defend and finish at the rim. At his age, he still has a ton of potential to unlock as he prepares to enter his fifth season in the NBA.

Will the New York Knicks be able to re-sign Mitchell Robinson?

While Robinson fits the direction that the Knicks want to go in, other teams can pay him more money.

Let’s take Detroit, for example. The Pistons are reportedly interested in going after Robinson this summer. If that organization can offer Robinson somewhere around $15 million a year, why wouldn’t he take that over a possible $11-12 million a year offer from New York?

He sat out for two games with back soreness and wasn’t in the starting lineup in Friday’s win over Miami, which allowed for Sims to take his place as a starter for the third-straight game. Given that Robinson could be finishing up his tenure in New York, Sims’ increase in playing time is beneficial.

If Robinson leaves, it won’t be because the Knicks didn’t make a strong enough push to re-sign him. If he stays in New York, it’d be because he’s willing to take less money from the team that drafted him.

Of course, I’d love for him to sign an extension with the Knicks, but it’s also imperative for the front office to be prepared for his departure.

It’ll sting to see him suit up for another team next season, but to be real, Robinson deserves more than what New York can pay him.

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