The New York Knicks have started the 2025-26 NBA season with an impressive 21-9 record and have also claimed the coveted NBA Cup Championship. Center Mitchell Robinson, known for his dominance in rebounding, has been a key figure in the team’s success but faces uncertainty as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season. With the looming prospect of unrestricted free agency, concerns are rising about the possibility of losing Robinson, similar to their previous loss of Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Robinson’s impact on the court has been undeniable, particularly in his ability to control the glass during games. This season, the Knicks have taken a cautious approach with him, resting him during back-to-back matchups to ensure his health for the important playoff push ahead. His performance on Christmas Day against the Cleveland Cavaliers highlighted his special contributions, despite not scoring any points. He pulled down 13 rebounds, eight of which were on the offensive end, while also adding two assists and a block.
Recent trade rumors have linked the Knicks to players like Donte DiVincenzo and Dennis Schröder as the league’s trade deadline approaches. Both players could fill gaps in the Knicks’ roster, offering skills such as DiVincenzo’s three-point shooting or Schröder’s playmaking ability. However, acquiring either player could necessitate trading Robinson, particularly due to the financial constraints imposed by the NBA’s new second apron restrictions, which discourage teams from spending too much in consecutive seasons.
Fans may desire a skilled guard to enhance the team’s depth, but the ramifications of such a move could be significant. Trading Robinson could not only result in losing one of the Knicks’ core players but may also forego opportunities to retain him in the offseason, risking a longer-term impact on the team’s structure.
As the Knicks weigh their options, the question arises: do they prioritize adding shooting talent or holding onto the rebounding prowess of Mitchell Robinson? The decision they make could shape the team’s trajectory in both the immediate and distant future, highlighting the balancing act of team building in a competitive league.