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Mitchell Robinson’s relationships reportedly played a factor in his Knicks return

By Jordanna Clark

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 11: Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks during the first half at FedExForum on March 11, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - MARCH 11: Desmond Bane #22 of the Memphis Grizzlies goes to the basket against Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks during the first half at FedExForum on March 11, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks didn’t lose their starting center in free agency. Mitchell Robinson broke the Charlie Ward curse and re-signed with New York on a four-year, $60 million deal. Although he had other suitors, the 24-year-old big man chose to remain with the team that drafted him at No. 36 in 2018.

It wasn’t a given that Robinson would re-sign with the Knicks, but shortly after free agency began, New York inked Isaiah Hartenstein to a two-year deal. As a backup, that move all but solidified Robinson’s return.

According to SNY’s Ian Begley, “money wasn’t the sole factor in his decision.” And this is what Robinson posted to Instagram on Sunday night:

Mitchell Robinson is committed to the Knicks’ youth development

Along with Robinson reportedly wanting to remain in New York with his fellow young teammates, Begley also had this to say:

"Also, Robinson’s strong relationships with members of the organization who were here when he was drafted played a role in his decision to return.“If he feels like you’re in his corner, that means a lot to him,” one person familiar with the matter said."

Robinson was drafted before Leon Rose arrived in 2020, but his commitment to staying with the Knicks is a testament to the team’s culture. New York’s major offseason move was landing Jalen Brunson, but what it means to retain Robinson shouldn’t be understated.

The Knicks are set at center. A trio of Robinson, Hartenstein, and Jericho Sims is a pretty solid group. In case you haven’t been tuning into how Sims has been performing in summer league, you need to.

You can argue that Robinson was overpaid, but it was a move that the front office elected to make. And if fans have learned anything so far this summer, it’s that New York’s focused on the bigger picture.

Robinson’s a key piece of the Knicks’ future. If he can stay healthy (he played in a career-high 72 games in 2021-22), New York’s going to be in a good position. Here’s to seeing more Robinson blocks and dunks in Madison Square Garden next season.

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