There hasn’t been any news on the New York Knicks and Mitchell Robinson front, but we now know that the center won’t be signing with the Dallas Mavericks if he enters free agency. On Wednesday, the Houston Rockets sent Christian Wood to the Mavericks.
Dallas wasn’t considered to be a front runner to land Robinson, but they needed a big man. The Mavericks’ lack of depth down low was highlighted in their run to the Western Conference Finals. Now that Dallas has a new center, Mark Cuban’s sole priority should be to sign Jalen Brunson to an extension.
There were numerous proposed sign-and-trade deals involving Robinson and Brunson that had been floating around on social media. It’s too bad that one of those deals will never come to fruition.
So, Knicks fans, here’s what we know: Robinson won’t be a Maverick in 2022-23.
Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson won’t sign with the Mavericks if he enters free agency
Oh, and here’s what we also know: Robinson could still be with New York in 2022-23. If he and the Knicks agree to an extension by the end of the month, he’ll remain with the Knicks. If that doesn’t happen, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent.
His name shouldn’t be written off by fans quite yet because there’s still time, but it’s best to prepare your goodbyes now. And if you assume that Robinson will settle for New York’s best offer, which would be a four-year, $55 million max extension, don’t be so sure.
New York Post’s Marc Berman reported that according to his sources, “it’s likely that Robinson will simply take the best offer after being paid the NBA minimum his first four seasons.” He also wrote:
"According to a source, the Knicks’ main concern is how the 24-year-old Robinson will respond if he gets a lucrative long-term deal. Maturity has always been an issue with the 2018 second-round pick from Louisiana."
The two sides have two weeks to try to work out a deal if that’s the goal. It sounds like there is some hesitation on the Knicks’ side. And let’s not forget that the last thing that was officially reported. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said that it was “unclear” if New York and Robinson’s agent would reach an agreement and that the center’s free agency was “a concern” for the Knicks. That was back in February.
But a decision on Robinson’s future will be made in the coming weeks. He could be on New York’s roster next season, but he might now. However, he surely won’t be on Dallas’ roster.
3 draft prospects that could replace Mitchell Robinson if he leaves Knicks
With Mitchell Robinson on the market this offseason, here are three draft prospects that could fill his shoes for the New York Knicks.