Knicks Center Mitchell Robinson Drawing Heavy Interest Before Free Agency
knicks-center-mitchell-robinson-drawing-heavy-interest-before-free-agency
New York Knicks backup center Mitchell Robinson is expected to attract considerable attention when he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
League sources told Fischer that the Bulls, Hornets, Lakers and Raptors are viewed as potential bidders for the 28-year-old, who is regarded as a versatile rim protector and elite offensive rebounder.
Chicago could open as much as $56 million in cap space, while Los Angeles has the option to function under the cap as well. Charlotte and Toronto are projected to have the full mid-level exception, estimated at $64.7 million over four years, available to pursue a new starting center.
Fischer likened Robinson’s market to Isaiah Hartenstein’s 2024 free-agency run, when the former Knick secured a three-year, $87 million deal with the Thunder that included a team option for the final season. It remains unclear whether Robinson will reach that salary level.
Robinson’s postseason workload has dipped to 14.1 minutes per game in part because he is converting only 32.0% of his 3.3 free-throw attempts. Even so, he drew praise from head coach Mike Brown and Karl-Anthony Towns for late-game defense on Victor Wembanyama after New York’s Game 2 Finals win in San Antonio. The eight-year veteran also appeared in 60 regular-season games in 2025-26 after multiple injury-shortened campaigns.
Selected 36th overall in the 2018 draft, Robinson has spent his entire NBA career with the Knicks. New York holds his Bird rights, but re-signing him would push the franchise beyond the projected second tax apron next season. The Knicks lead the Spurs 2-0 in the NBA Finals, with both victories coming on the road.
Source: Hoops Rumors
