TITLE: Mitchell Robinson Interested in Knicks Reunion; Robert Williams III Also Open to Staying Put
SLUG: mitchell-robinson-open-to-knicks-return-williams-blazers-future
CONTENT:
Free-agent center Mitchell Robinson is “very open” to signing a new deal with the New York Knicks, according to league sources cited by Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Fischer adds that Robert Williams III holds similar feelings about remaining with the Portland Trail Blazers. Both 28-year-old big men enter free agency with comparable profiles: elite defensive reputations and lengthy injury histories.
Portland, which carries ample cap flexibility, could keep Williams without breaching luxury-tax thresholds. New York faces a tougher decision; re-signing Robinson at market value would push the franchise beyond the NBA’s second tax apron. Owner James Dolan recently reaffirmed his intent to stay under that line in 2026/27 after the club captured the championship earlier this month.
2025/26 Production
• Williams, slowed by recurring knee issues, logged 59 regular-season games as Portland’s top reserve behind starting center Donovan Clingan. He averaged 6.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 17.1 minutes.
• Robinson, who has dealt with ankle problems, appeared in 60 games for New York, posting 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks across 19.4 minutes. During the Knicks’ playoff run he contributed 4.6 points and 5.5 rebounds in 13.9 minutes per contest as the primary backup to Karl-Anthony Towns.
The report on Robinson and Williams emerged in a broader survey of the Los Angeles Lakers’ offseason plans. Fischer notes that Los Angeles has contacted the Oklahoma City Thunder to inquire about the availability of swingman Luguentz Dort, corroborating earlier coverage from Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Source: Hoops Rumors
