As the New York Knicks navigate their post-Karl-Anthony Towns trade landscape, discussions have emerged around potentially trading Mitchell Robinson. While Towns offers offensive firepower, the idea of parting with Robinson could create more problems than it solves. Despite his injuries and trade rumors, Mitchell Robinson’s unique skill set remains crucial to the Knicks’ success.
NBA Business: The Knicks Are Set To Make Mitchell Robinson ‘Mistake’
Defensive Prowess and Rebounding Impact
Robinson is arguably the Knicks’ most impactful defensive player. Standing at 7 feet tall with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, he has been a consistent force in the paint, offering rim protection and elite shot-blocking. In the 2023-24 NBA playoffs, Robinson’s ability to slow down former MVP Joel Embiid highlighted his defensive value. His presence forces opposing guards and big men alike to rethink their shot attempts in the paint. While Towns brings versatility on offense, his defensive limitations are well-known. Relying solely on Towns as the Knicks’ defensive anchor could expose them, especially against dominant centers like Embiid or Nikola Jokić.
Robinson also excels as an offensive rebounder. Notably, he was tied for first in offensive rebounds per game. His ability to secure second-chance opportunities has been critical to the Knicks’ offense. Trading away such an elite rebounder could reduce the Knicks’ ability to dominate the glass, particularly in tight games where possessions matter most.
Lack of Suitable Replacement
While Towns is a versatile big man, his role as a defensive center is far from ideal. Towns thrives as a floor-spacer and scorer, but relying on him to fill Robinson’s shoes defensively would be a gamble. Robinson’s potential departure would leave the Knicks without a true rim protector. The Knicks’ defense, which was one of their strengths last season, would likely take a hit without Robinson patrolling the paint. Towns has actually improved on the defensive end. Pre-Rudy Gobert, he was a defender who locked in sporadically on the defensive end. Besides Gobert, he was a revelation last year on the Timberwolves league-leading defense. Still, he became that good beside an elite defensive big.
Moreover, with Robinson out due to ankle injuries until December or January, the Knicks’ depth at the center position is already thin. Trading him would leave them with few options to fill the defensive void during the first half of the season, putting more pressure on Towns to play out of his comfort zone. They do have Jericho Sims and Precious Achiuwa as backups but they lack the experience and size respectively to be effective rim protectors. If the Knicks intend to compete for a playoff spot or better, maintaining their defensive identity is crucial—and Robinson is central to that.
Low Trade Value and Potential Returns
The market for Mitchell Robinson may not yield the type of return the Knicks would hope for in a trade. Given his recent string of injuries, Robinson’s trade value is not at its peak. Any trade package centered around Robinson is unlikely to bring back a player or assets that significantly improve the team. Teams aware of his injury history may hesitate to offer premium assets. With his $14.3 million cap hit, there’s a significant risk that comes with a trade. Teams will have to find similar contracts to match and make the trade work.
For the Knicks, trading Robinson for a low return would feel like a loss. Without a player of equal defensive caliber or valuable draft assets coming back, the Knicks would be left with a hole in their lineup that could take time to fill. While it’s tempting to explore trades, especially with a roster shakeup after the Towns deal, Robinson’s value to the team far outweighs what they would get in return.
Continuity and Chemistry
Mitchell Robinson has been the longest-tenured player on the Knicks roster, making him a cornerstone of the team’s identity and defensive culture. His chemistry with his teammates cannot be overlooked. Robinson’s ability to play his role effectively without demanding the ball makes him an essential complement to the Knicks’ offensive threats.
Moving him now, especially as he’s dealing with an injury, would disrupt the continuity that the Knicks have worked to build over the past few seasons. Robinson’s presence allows the team’s offensive stars to focus on scoring, knowing they have a reliable defensive anchor behind them. Robinson’s importance goes beyond statistics; his understanding of the team’s system and his relationship with his teammates are assets that cannot easily be replaced.
A Mitchell Robinson Trade will be Fool’s Gold for the Knicks
Trading Robinson may seem like a quick way for the Knicks to explore new options, but it could leave them vulnerable in areas that have been their strengths. Robinson’s defensive capabilities, rebounding dominance, and chemistry with his teammates make him a vital part of the Knicks’ roster. While the addition of Towns brings new possibilities, Robinson’s presence will ensure the Knicks remain competitive on both ends of the floor. Ultimately, considering this and his trade value lower than the Knicks would like, it makes more sense to keep Mitchell Robinson and continue to benefit from the qualities that make him an essential part of their success.
