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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) /
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New York Knicks, Mitchell Robinson
Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks. (Photo by Andy Marlin/USA TODAY Sports) /

2: Oklahoma City Thunder

It feels like it’s been eons since Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook made the Oklahoma City Thunder a contender. After Durant signed with Golden State in free agency in 2016, Oklahoma City was a first-round playoff exit for four straight years. In the past two seasons, the Thunder haven’t made it to the postseason at all.

That could change with a player like Robinson. For seven years, Oklahoma City had rebounding machine Steven Adams, who’s now a starter with Memphis. The Thunder have been looking to turn back the clock and get a younger center.

Utah traded Derrick Favors to Oklahoma City last summer and he played in 39 games (18 starts) and averaged 5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds. He shot 51.6% from the field and 64% from the free-throw line. The Thunder haven’t had a consistent force at the five and the team needs someone who can protect the rim.

Robinson fits that bill. He’s a rim-running center that would benefit the games of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. Oklahoma City has the money to sign the big man, but since the Thunder finished the season with a 24-58 record, the team holds the fourth-highest lottery odds.

Sam Presti and Oklahoma City will have three total first-round picks. The Thunder are in the process of rebuilding their team and Presti has been the mastermind behind the scenes stockpiling draft picks.

While Oklahoma City could pick a center in the 2022 Draft, Robinson’s age and potential would fit the Thunder’s roster. The question is if Presti wants to draft and develop a center, or if he would rather sign one from elsewhere.

If he’s leaning towards the latter, expect Oklahoma City to pursue Robinson once the clock strikes midnight on July 1.

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