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.
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.
1: Detroit Pistons
Detriot’s no New York City, but it could be Robinson’s next home. If he enters free agency, this seems to be his most likely destination.
The team’s reportedly shown interest in the big man. Not only that, but Robinson supposedly “has fans in the Pistons organization.” Detroit hasn’t been relevant in a while, but 2021 No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham is the new face of the franchise and a change is taking place.
The Pistons’ current starting center is 20-year-old Isaiah Stewart, who was the No. 16 overall pick in the 2020 draft. In the 71 games that Stewart played in this year, he averaged 8.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. He shot 51% from the field.
Detroit needs more stability at that position, as in someone who can hold their own down low, and Robinson can do just that. The Pistons are projected to have around $28 million in cap space, so signing the center is within reason.
Outside of Derrick Rose, Robinson hasn’t gotten much run with a true point guard. His game would be elevated to a new level in Detroit. Like the Knicks, the Pistons are a young team and if New York lets him slip through the cracks, expect Detroit to be there to catch Robinson.
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