Mitchell Robinson to the Hornets is one of the most intriguing rumors this season. The seven-foot Knicks center hits free agency this summer, and Charlotte has officially been named among the teams keeping a close eye on his situation.
Mitchell Robinson to the Hornets, A Possibility?
According to Marc Stein, the Hornets are one of the four teams consistently linked to the Knicks center, alongside the Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Toronto Raptors. The Hornets’ interest makes sense the moment you examine it. Charlotte needs interior size and physicality above almost everything else this offseason. Robinson, at 7 feet and built like a wall, provides exactly that.
Robinson averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game this season, in a reduced role behind Karl-Anthony Towns in New York’s rotation. He is an unrestricted free agent after the final season of his four-year, $60 million contract. The Knicks, with their cap situation stretched to the limit after winning the 2026 NBA Championship, are unlikely to retain him. Charlotte is well-positioned to move quickly.
Why Mitchell Robinson to the Hornets Fit Works
The case for Robinson in Charlotte is straightforward. He is one of the most efficient rim protectors in the NBA — ranking consistently among the league leaders in field goal percentage allowed at the rim and shot deterrence. He does not need the ball to change a game. He runs the floor, finishes lobs, cleans the glass, and alters every drive that comes near him. For a Charlotte team that allows too many easy interior baskets, his presence alone changes the defensive calculus overnight.
The Rotation Question
The rotation question is the most interesting part of this signing. Moussa Diabate just won the NBA Hustle Award and guaranteed his $2.4 million contract for next season. He is not going anywhere. But Robinson and Diabate do not necessarily compete — they complement each other. Robinson handles the heavy defensive minutes against elite bigs. Diabate provides the energy, the offensive rebounding, and the screen assists that Charlotte’s offense depends on. Staggering the two gives Charles Lee a genuinely flexible and physical frontcourt rotation.
The Injury History Cannot Be Glossed Over
How Charlotte Signs Him
Charlotte holds the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, worth approximately $14.1 million annually. That may fall short of what Robinson commands after a contract year, even accounting for his injury history. However, a sign-and-trade using Miles Bridges, Grant Williams, or Josh Green — all on expiring contracts — could give Charlotte more financial room to reach Robinson’s asking price.
Robinson to the Hornets is a realistic and compelling pursuit. When healthy and motivated in a new environment, he fills the exact gap Charlotte’s roster has lacked. Jeff Peterson should be among the first to call Robinson’s agent when free agency opens — and if the medicals check out, the Hornets should be aggressive before the Bulls, Lakers, or Raptors swoop in.
Photo Credit: Dustin Safranek, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
