Despite playing a key role in reaching the Eastern Conference Finals last month, a new NBA rumor suggests the New York Knicks were plotting to replace Mitchell Robinson next season with Deandre Ayton.
Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson is a skilled rim protector and gifted rebounder. A case could be made that he is the best offensive rebounder in the league. He is a valuable talent. Unfortunately, he has proven throughout his seven-year career that he is an injury waiting to happen. The center has played in 60 or more games just three times.
That is why it is unsurprising that the front office has looked to find his replacement over the last couple of seasons. Well, despite a strong showing in the playoffs, the organization has not stopped looking for someone to take his spot. And they were reportedly interested in the best center in this year’s NBA free-agent market.
“I’m told the New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Denver Nuggets all had interest in [Deandre] Ayton. Before his decision to sign with the Lakers,” ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported this week.
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The Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers veteran was bought out of his contract by the latter club this week. The agreement will see him earn $25.6 million. So he can take a team-friendly deal with his next team. That is why multiple playoff teams with little to no cap space were pondering using their veteran exceptions on the center. In the end, he chose to play for the Lakers soon after hitting the open market.
Besides Pacers star Myles Turner, Ayton was probably the best center available this summer. Landing him — even on a short-term deal — would have been a major coup for the Knicks. Although he is not the offensive boards beast Robinson is, he is a far better scorer and high-level rebounder. The seven-year vet has averaged 16 points and 10 boards for his career.
Robinson has been linked to trade rumors since New York’s season ended last month.
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After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos