3 Backup centers the Knicks could add after devastating Mitchell Robinson injury

2. Mason Plumlee

Mason Plumlee is on a one-year, $5 million deal with the Clippers, so the Knicks could use their Disabled Player Exception to get him. He was traded to LA ahead of last season's deadline and averaged 7.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game to close out 2022-23.

Plumlee has played in only six games in 2023-24 because of a sprained left MCL he suffered in a game against the Knicks in early November. His injury could keep New York away, but he isn't expected to be out much longer. He's one of the best backup bigs in the league, and the Clippers have been winning without him. Maybe LA would be open to a trade.

Last season, before the Hornets traded him, Plumlee averaged 12.2 points and 9.7 rebounds in 56 contests. He wouldn't reach that same level of output with the Knicks as he'd come off the bench behind Isaiah Hartenstein, but he'd help keep New York afloat.

He wouldn't be a bad option for the Knicks to explore, and because he's on an expiring contract and is making less than the $7.6 million DPE New York applied for, he fits the criteria for a trade.