Daily Knicks
Fansided

NY Knicks: 3 teams that could sign Mitchell Robinson in free agency

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 28: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks in action against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on March 28, 2022 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. New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 109-104. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 28: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks in action against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on March 28, 2022 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. New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 109-104. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
New York Knicks, Mitchell Robinson
Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks. (Photo by: Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports) /

Now that the offseason is here for the New York Knicks, it’s officially time to start thinking about all that will or won’t happen. In this instance, I’m referring specifically to 24-year-old Mitchell Robinson. If he doesn’t sign an extension by June 30, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent on the first of July.

This topic isn’t something that Knicks fans want to hear about because they understandably want the center to remain in New York. He entered the league as a second-round pick in the 2018 draft and for the first time in his four-year career, he’ll have the chance to play elsewhere.

It’s been reported that according to the beliefs of NBA executives, Robinson could get paid around $12 to $13 million annually, with the chance that it could be as high as $15 million annually. The Knicks have the center’s Bird rights, which means that New York could go over its salary cap to re-sign him.

3 teams that could sign New York Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson in free agency

According to the most recent report from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski in late February, Robinson and the Knicks have continued to discuss an extension. Now that the regular season has come to an end, perhaps a deal will be accelerated between the two sides.

In the case that the end of June comes and goes with no extension, Robinson will have several suitors in free agency. If that happens, let’s take a look at three teams that could “steal” the big man from New York.

3: Dallas Mavericks

If the Dallas Mavericks signed Robinson in free agency, would it be that much of a surprise? There seems to be a pipeline from the Knicks to the Mavericks. Currently, there are five former New York players on Dallas’ roster.

Up until the 2022 trade deadline, it was six. Kristaps Porzingis was traded from the Mavericks to the Wizards, leaving a hole in Dallas’ roster. The Mavericks have centers Boban Marjanovic and Dwight Powell, but both are set to become free agents after the 2022-23 season.

Powell is the starter at the five and during the regular season this year, he averaged 8.7 points and 4.9 rebounds in 82 games (71 starts). He shot 67.1% from the field and 78.3% from the free-throw line.

Robinson averaged 8.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in 72 games (62 starts). He shot 76.1% from the floor and 48.6% from the charity stripe.

He played in fewer games than Powell, but averaged slightly less in points per game and he needs to work on his free-throw shooting. Robinson would be an upgrade over Powell, who will turn 31 in July.

Dallas needs a rim protector since Porzingis is gone and guess who would fit that role perfectly? Robinson.

The Mavericks are limited with their cap space, especially because their point guard Jalen Brunson is due for an extension this summer, or else he’ll also become an unrestricted free agent. The guard’s been linked to New York, but even a sign-and-trade deal would be difficult.

Dallas signed Luka Doncic to a five-year, $207.1 million rookie extension last summer, so the Mavericks’ hands will be tied during the offseason. Currently, the organization is $1.9 million from reaching the tax apron threshold, so Robinson wouldn’t be able to get the projected $12-$13 million.

Robinson would likely love to catch lobs from Doncic, but unless Dallas makes major moves during the summer, the likelihood of landing the Knicks’ center is low. It hasn’t been ruled out, though.

Home/Knicks News