The New York Knicks are getting solid play from their bench in the playoffs, and Mitchell Robinson is one who has stood out the most. There's no doubt that his inside presence has been key, and the Knicks are hoping that he can continue to do that beyond this season, with him being a free agent in the offseason.
By no surprise, there will be several suitors looking to steal him from the Knicks, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer.
“[Isaiah] Hartenstein's heir to the backup center spot in Gotham is expected to draw significant free agent interest this summer, league sources say,” Fischer wrote. “Robinson only logged 14 minutes in New York's Game 2 victory, but he drew considerable postgame praise from Knicks coach Mike Brown and teammate Karl-Anthony Towns for his one-on-one defense against Wembanyama.
“Potential Robinson suitors? Teams regularly relayed to me when I've asked around about Robinson's status have pointed to the Bulls, Hornets, Lakers and Raptors. Those are all clubs known to be looking for center upgrades.”
Article Continues Below
All four of those teams could use some depth at the center position, and they should have the cap space to do so, depending on how much Robinson is asking for. With what he's been able to do this season, there's a chance he could be one of the higher-paid backup centers in free agency.
As of now, Robinson is dealing with a fractured fifth metacarpal in his right hand, but he's still doing what he can for the Knicks. He's had some key stops on Victor Wembanyama through two games of the NBA Finals, including the last play of Game 2 to help the Knicks take a 2-0 lead.
The more Robinson continues to play well throughout the series, the more he could ask for when free agency starts in the offseason.
The New York Knicks are getting solid play from their bench in the playoffs, and Mitchell Robinson is one who has stood out the most. There's no doubt that his inside presence has been key, and the Knicks are hoping that he can continue to do that beyond this season, with him being a free agent in the offseason.