The New York Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals for the second straight season. While the Knicks are focused on earning their first trip to the NBA Finals in this century, they still have some important decisions to make this offseason. One of these decisions involves Mitchell Robinson, who is slated to be an unrestricted free agent.
UFA Mitchell Robinson Slated to Have Plenty Of Suitors on the Open Market
Mitchell is arguably playing the best basketball of his career. Mitchell has been highly efficient this season offensively and, more importantly, a defensive force for the Knicks. The 7-footer averaged 5.7 points on 72.3% shooting from the field, 8.8 rebounds (4.2 offensive), and 1.2 blocks in less than 20 minutes a game over 60 regular-season appearances. He scored in double-figures 10 times and produced six double-doubles while grabbing double-figure rebounds 25 times, topping 15 or more boards four times. The Knicks were 40-20 in the games that Robinson appeared in.
“It feels like every year Mitch just continues to get better. He’s so important to our team,” Miles McBride told Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. “And when it’s time for him to show up, he shows up. … It’s huge for us to create opportunities at the offensive end. And obviously being at the rim and helping us in so many ways is huge.”
Robinson has been even better during the Knicks’ current playoff run. The Knicks are 8-2 in the playoffs, which is the second-best record behind Oklahoma City, and are one of three teams to have advanced to the conference finals, with New York waiting on Sunday’s Detroit-Cleveland winner. The Knicks have been the league’s second-best postseason offensive and defensive teams, with the top point differential at +19.4.
Robinson has been highly efficient on both ends in the playoffs, converting 20 of 26 shots from the field. The 27-year-old has also grabbed six or more boards in five of his nine appearances while blocking multiple shots on two occassions despite playing less than 15 minutes a game. Overall, he averages 5.7 points and 5.3 rebounds (2.8 offensive) this postseason.
Why Robinson Is Expected To Draw Interest This Summer
Despite being limited offensively, Mitchell is one of the best reserve centers in the NBA. Mitchell is extremely athletic and is an outstanding offensive rebounder. He runs the floor well and is one of the vertical threats in the league, connecting on 74.3% of his attempts at the rim. Of his 169 field goals during the regular season, 159 were at the rim, with 112 being dunks. He made 91.1% of his dunk attempts.
Robinson is one of the best defensive centers in the league. Robinson anchors the Knicks defense due to his ability to protect the rim; he is not only a capable shot-blocker but also a defender of drives. He moves well laterally and can defend in space.
Mitchell has spent his entire eight-year career with the Knicks. He is earning $12.9 million this year as the final season of his four-year, $60 million deal. But the Knicks may not be able to afford him.
New York, which owns Robinson’s Bird Rights, is projected to be a first-round team. The Knicks have only nine players under contract for next season, with a salary cap hit of $205.4 million. The Knicks are $16.5 million below the second apron.
Mitchell should see a slight salary bump with his next contract. He is injury-prone and is expected to sign a two-year contract with salaries ranging from $13 million to $16 million per season.
The Sacramento Kings could be the Knicks’ biggest competition for Robinson. Although several other teams could throw money at him: Oklahoma City, Utah, Washington, Portland, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Chicago are also potential suitors.
Analyzing Teams Who Could Be Interested In UFA Mitchell Robinson
Sacramento Kings
Bondy mentioned the Kings as a team that could be interested in Robinson. The Kings’ general manager, Scott Perry, drafted Robinson while he was with the Knicks, and he has reportedly been a huge fan of the big man. However, the Kings are in a similar financial situation to the Knicks.
“Sources around the league have pegged the Sacramento Kings as a threat to pry away Robinson in free agency,” Bondy said.
Sacramento has 11 players under contract for 2026-27 with a salary cap hit of $205.1 million. Zach LaVine has a $48.9 million player option and will be hard to move. Unless the Kings, who own the No. 7 pick in this year’s draft, want to rebuild completely, Domantas Sabonis likely won’t be moved. However, only $10 million of DeMar DeRozan‘s $25.7 million deal is guaranteed until January 1.
So, expect the Kings to try to move LaVine, DeRozan, Malik Monk, and Devin Carter. Killian Hayes ($3.0 million) deal is nonguaranteed.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder would appear to be unlikely suitors. But the Thunder have decisions to make as they have a $250,000 salary cap hit. If they decide not to pick up Isaiah Hartenstein‘s $28.5 million team option or Kenrich Williams’ options, they may have some room. Although OKC Will still have to make another move or two.
Utah Jazz
Utah plans on competing this season. Robinson could be a cheap replacement for restricted free agent Walker Kessler, if he walks or the team trades him in a sign-and-trade deal.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards could use some depth behind Alex Sarr and Anthony Davis. The Wizards project to be well below the tax line.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland isn’t expected to make an earth-shattering move, though Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant are potential trade chips. Granted, the Blazers have been linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo, but they are long shots to acquire him.
The Trail Blazers have 12 players currently on the roster for 2026-27 and are well below the tax line. As it stands now, the Blazers could use a veteran to back up Donovan Clingan.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have plenty of big decisions to make this offseason and significant cap room. The Lakers do need to upgrade their bench and frontcourt. So, depending on what other moves the Lakers make, Mitchell could be a potential candidate to land in LA.
Los Angeles Clippers
Like their crosstown rival, the Clippers have many decisions ahead of them. The Clippers lucked into the No.5 pick in this year’s draft, which could propel them into a major rebuild. Kawhi Leonard enters the last season of his contract next season, while Bogdan Bogdanovic, Brook Lopez, and Nic Batum have team options this summer.
Mitchell would be a great fit in a rebuild situation. Depending on the potential moves, the Clippers already have three selections this year and Darius Garland.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago has the most money to spend this summer, with 10 players under contract with a salary cap hit of $95.3 million. The Bulls own the No. 4 and 15th picks in this year’s draft, plus two second-round choices. They currently don’t have a center on their roster for next season.
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
