Mitchell Robinson appears to be increasing his value ahead of unrestricted free agency, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link), who reports that the Knicks‘ backup center is expected to receive “significant” external interest this offseason.
Fischer compares Robinson’s situation to that of his former teammate Isaiah Hartenstein in 2024. Hartenstein signed a three-year, $87MM contract with the Thunder that summer, though only the first two seasons were guaranteed (2026/27 is a team option).
It remains to be seen whether Robinson will command that significant of a payday, but sources tell Fischer the Bulls, Hornets, Lakers and Raptors are all considered potential suitors for the 28-year-old big man, who’s a strong, versatile defender and an elite rebounder, particularly on the offensive glass.
Chicago could have up to $56MM in cap room this offseason and Los Angeles could choose to operate under the cap as well. The Hornets and Raptors appear likely to have the full mid-level exception (projected to be worth $64.7MM over four years) available. All four teams are “known to be looking for center upgrades,” according to Fischer.
Robinson’s playing time has been reduced somewhat in the playoffs in part because of his struggles at the charity stripe: he’s only converting 32.0% of his 3.3 free throws per game through 15 postseason appearances (14.1 minutes per contest).
Still, Robinson has been impactful when he’s not being intentionally fouled. He drew praise from head coach Mike Brown and Karl-Anthony Towns for his late-game defense on Victor Wembanyama following New York’s Game 2 victory over San Antonio, Fischer notes, and he stayed pretty healthy throughout 2025/26 (60 regular season games) after missing extended time in recent years due to injuries.
A former second-round pick, Robinson has spent all eight of his NBA seasons to this point with the Knicks, who selected him 36th overall in the 2018 draft. New York holds a 2-0 lead on San Antonio in the NBA Finals, with both victories coming on the road.
The Knicks have Robinson’s Bird rights and there’s technically nothing preventing them from re-signing him, though the team projects to be over the second tax apron next season if it chooses to go that route. Given Robinson’s importance to the Knicks’ success, it would certainly be difficult to replace him.
Mitchell Robinson would love to go to Charlotte because it will offer a great opportunity and the people there will understand his passion for country music, unlike the New Yorkers. I do think that the Knicks will try and do everything they can to resign Robinson.
I don’t see Mitch coming back next year. Unless they trade Towns. He’s not a 30 min a night center. Probably best for a two-headed center system. Like Knicks ran with IHart. Knicks probably drafting a center this draft.
I don’t see them trading Towns with how he’s played this postseason, especially against Wemby. Definitely thought it was coming early on and throughout the season, but he’s more of a winning player than I thought.
If Mitch could shoot even 55-60% from the line, he would be invaluable.
Any team expecting to make him the starting C is not thinking long term and in playoffs. Hack a Mitch would be worse, sure you could get other team in bonus but he can’t play big minutes. Can’t build defense based on him due to this because when he is subbed out you better be able to play the same.
Seems like such an easy fix too that could lead to even more life-changing money. I mean, it’s a 15-foot shot where you’re unguarded 100% of the time and it’s been the same since he first started playing basketball.
I’m a big fan of Mitch’s game, and was long before the national (or local) media figured out his value. I hope the NYK will resign him in all events. No team fits his skill set better, and he likes it here.
As far as the 2nd apron goes, if the NYK win the Finals, it’s likely a run it back offseason, and, in that event, I don’t think it should be a concern. If they don’t win, and they want to make real changes, then they’ll have to get below the 2nd apron and everything has to be on the table.
Generally, and it may help the NYK retain him, Mitch’s value across the league will always be held down by the availability issue. While no major injuries this year, he was held out of lots of games (including all back to backs) for load management. The other value related issue is FT shooting, as it can keep him off the court for stretches. Plus, injured or not, starting or not, he’s not a guy will play more than 25 +/- minutes a game. Those factors also render the matter of whether he could start or not with another team largely irrelevant.