Mitchell Robinson has found a new home.
What Does the Celtics Stealing Mitchell Robinson from the Knicks Mean for Both Squads as Free Agency Kicks into High Gear
While it is not a surprise that Robinson is leaving the New York Knicks, it is a shocker that he is headed to the Boston Celtics. Not that the Celtics didn’t need a center, but Boston was never mentioned as a potential suitor.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Robinson will get a three-year deal worth$47.4 million. Charania said the third year is a player option.
Free agent center Mitchell Robinson has agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal to sign with the Boston Celtics, with a player option in third season, sources tell ESPN. Robinson departs the Knicks after serving a key role on the historic championship team. pic.twitter.com/tl3R6nlU1m
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026
Robinson, who had been with the Knicks since being selected with the No.36 pick in 2018, was a key part of bringing a World Championship to the Big Apple for the first time in 53 years. The 27-year-old has been productive throughout his career, but injuries have been a huge concern as he has only appeared in 372 games over eight seasons.
Robinson is coming off a season where he finished eighth in Sixth Man of the Year voting. The 7-footer averaged 5.7 points on 72.3% shooting, 8.8 rebounds (4.2 offensive), and 1.2 blocks. He produced six double-doubles and scored in double figures 10 times while grabbing at least 10 rebounds 25 times.
While New York would likely have liked to retain Robinson, the Knicks couldn’t afford him and stay out of the second apron, as James Dolan wanted. The Knicks have 11 players under contract with a salary cap hit of about $212 million. Thus leaving the Knicks around $9 million below the second apron.
From a Knick perspective, club has a ton of appreciation & respect for Mitchell Robinson as he departs for Boston, per source familiar with matter. Robinson’s exit is seen a casualty of the situation re: NYK holding team salary under 2nd apron. Robinson, a 2nd-round pick eight…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 1, 2026
New York will need to prioritize the frontcourt in free agency. But given the owners’ directive, the Knicks will have an average of $3 million per player they sign. The Knicks could have some flexibility in that number if they opt to give at least one of their two 2026 second-round draft picks to a standard contract: Jack Kayil and Tyler Nickel.
What Does Robinson Heading to Boston Mean For The Celtics?
Boston was one of the biggest surprises this past season, finishing third in the East with 56 victories despite being without star Jayson Tatum for more than three-fourths of the season. But the Celtics were upset in the first round of the playoffs by the Philadelphia 76ers, in part because they had no answers for Joel Embiid in the four games he played.
Embiid posted three double-doubles and averaged 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Celtics lost three of the four games that he played in as the C’s centers were dominated by the Sixers’ big men in the final three contests of the series.
So, in the end, Robinson is a perfect fit for the Celtics. Robinson is a true rim protector and an offensive‑rebounding machine that they needed. Robinson, who has career averages of 3.7 offensive rebounds and 1.7 blocks, ranked second in offensive boards in 2025-26 with 4.2 a contest.
Moreover, Robinson’s job will be simple yet dirty. Robinson will be tasked with setting solid screens, diving to the rim, cleaning the glass, and protecting the rim. Robinson and Neemais Queta are set to share the minutes at center, though Queta will likely start. Luka Garza will get spot minutes, though with Robinson’s injury history, his minutes shouldn’t decline too much.
Boston’s 2025-26 roster appears almost set after drafting Chris Cernac Jr. with the No. 27 pick in last month’s draft and extending Ron Harper Jr. The Celtics also signed veteran point guard Mike Conley to a one-year, veteran minimum deal earlier today. Those moves give the C’s 15 players, though they appear determined to trade Jaylen Brown.
Photo Credit: Winslow Townson, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
