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Knicks News: Division rival declines player option, Mitchell Robinson comedy

By Jordanna Clark

Apr 2, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) runs out during introductions before the game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2023; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) runs out during introductions before the game against the Washington Wizards at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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With free agency rapidly approaching, one of the New York Knicks’ division rivals declined his player option for 2023-24 on Monday. As expected, Raptors guard Fred VanVleet will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

VanVleet averaged 19.3 points and a career-high 7.2 assists in the 69 games that he played for Toronto and shot 39.3% from the floor and 34.2% from three, a career-low. The 29-year-old went undrafted in 2016 and signed a multi-year contract with Toronto shortly after he put on a show at Summer League that year.

As ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported, VanVleet “hasn’t ruled out negotiating a new deal and a Raptors return.” However, if VanVleet wishes to play elsewhere, he’ll be one of the top guards on the market. Toronto engaged in trade talks surrounding VanVleet ahead of the February deadline with teams like Milwaukee reportedly expressing interest in trading for the guard.

The Raptors have had quite the offseason already and finally made a head coaching hire over the weekend. After firing Nick Nurse at the end of their season, Toronto hired former Memphis assistant Darko Rajakovic. It’ll be interesting to see whether or not VanVleet and Gary Trent Jr., who also has a player option, will be in Rajakovic’s starting five next season.

More Knicks news

  • Mitchell Robinson has been enjoying his start to the offseason. This past weekend, he won Best Interior at the Atlantic City Truck Meet and even rode a mechanical bull. Mitch is one of a kind.
  • If you thought that the Donovan Mitchell-Knicks trade talk had ended, think again. There are reportedly people that believe he’ll still end up in New York one way or another.
  • There are several routes that the front office could take in free agency, including signing a player that has previously played under Tom Thibodeau.
  • Knicks legend Mike Breen hit a milestone in his career when he called his 100th NBA Finals game on Monday.

NBA news

  • According to Shams Charania, the Pelicans are interested in trading up in the draft for the No. 2 pick to select Scoot Henderson. New Orleans currently holds the No. 14 pick but is trying to find a way to get the No. 2 pick from Charlotte.
  • Per NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), the Pacers are looking to trade up in the draft as well. Indiana currently has three first-round picks: No. 7, No. 26, and No. 29.
  • The Heat mascot went to the emergency room on Friday after a Game 4 halftime skit involving Conor McGregor went wrong.
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