{"id":195688,"date":"2026-05-16T16:54:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-16T20:54:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=195688"},"modified":"2026-05-16T16:54:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-16T20:54:32","slug":"ufa-mitchell-robinson-slated-to-have-plenty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2026\/05\/16\/ufa-mitchell-robinson-slated-to-have-plenty\/","title":{"rendered":"Knicks Expected to Have Lots of Competition For 2026 Free Agent Big Man, Pacific Conference Team Among Suitors"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New York Knicks<\/a> 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<\/a>, who is slated to be an unrestricted free agent.<\/p>\n

UFA Mitchell Robinson Slated to Have Plenty Of Suitors on the Open Market<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>It feels like every year Mitch just continues to get better. He\u2019s so important to our team<\/em>,\u201d\u00a0<\/span>Miles McBride<\/a> told Stefan Bondy of the New York Post<\/a>. \u201c<\/span>And when it\u2019s time for him to show up, he shows up. \u2026 It\u2019s 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<\/em>.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Robinson has been even better during the Knicks’ current playoff run. The Knicks are 8-2 in the playoffs<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0 Overall, he averages 5.7 points and 5.3 rebounds (2.8 offensive) this postseason.<\/p>\n

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Why Robinson Is Expected To Draw Interest This Summer<\/h3>\n

Despite being limited offensively,\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Analyzing Teams Who Could Be Interested In UFA Mitchell Robinson<\/h3>\n