The New York Knicks made a huge decision this offseason, offering Mikal Bridges a four-year, $150 million extension. However, the team isn't done with extension talks just yet.
While Bridges is set to remain in New York on a long-term pact, his lucrative deal has raised questions about Mitchell Robinson's future. The big man is entering the fourth and final season of his four-year, $60 million deal signed in July 2022. He is eligible for a four-year extension, though that would likely push the Knicks above the second apron in 2026-27 unless it's an extremely team-friendly deal.
Letting Robinson enter unrestricted free agency could prove costly, as the Knicks would either need to find another backup center or rely on Ariel Hukporti to make a significant leap. Trading Robinson during the season could become a viable option, especially if he can boost his value before the deadline.
Mitchell Robinson's future with New York remains uncertain
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James L. Edwards III of The Athletic believes that a healthy Robinson could garner interest on the trade market, and the Knicks may consider moving him if his value is high enough.
“The most fascinating scenario that could present itself during the season is if Robinson doesn't miss time leading up to the trade deadline and is as dominant during the first 35 games of the regular season as he was in the playoffs,” [he wrote](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6567128/2025/08/25/knicks-questions-mitchell-robinson/). “Will the Knicks capitalize on his play and expiring contract and trade him then? Would New York keep him to continue their title chase, not break up the continuity and risk losing him in free agency? There are pros and cons to both in this scenario.”
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A potential upside of trading Robinson would be acquiring a cost-effective center — ideally one not on an expiring contract. If the 27-year-old avoids injuries during the first half of the season, his defensive ability and rebounding prowess would certainly draw league-wide interest.
However, the move could backfire. Robinson has been a key contributor for the club when healthy, though he has appeared in fewer than 60 regular-season games in three consecutive seasons. That said, offering him a lucrative long-term extension carries significant risk.
Still, allowing him to walk in free agency would be worse. The Knicks wouldn't be guaranteed a cost-effective replacement on the open market next offseason. Losing him for nothing is the worst-case scenario, so trade speculation is likely to continue as New York explores its options.
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