More changes could occur within the New York Knicks’ organization after the shocking firing of head coach Tom Thibodeau.
With free agency officially beginning on June 30, ClutchPoints’ Garrett Kerman has a hunch that the Knicks will trade a 7-foot center to the Utah Jazz.
“The New York Knicks enter the 2025 offseason at a crossroads,” Kerman wrote Monday. “After a season that saw them fall short in the Eastern Conference Finals, the franchise stands as one of the NBA’s most talented and expensive rosters, but also one with clear limitations.”
“With nearly all of their payroll tied up in a core of high-priced starters, the Knicks face a pressing need to improve their depth and flexibility if they hope to finally break through to the NBA Finals. To do that, one player stands out as the most logical trade candidate, Mitchell Robinson.”
“Mitchell Robinson has been a staple of the Knicks’ identity since entering the league, anchoring the paint with elite shot-blocking and rebounding. But as New York’s ambitions have grown, so too have the questions about Robinson’s fit and durability.”
“While he remains a highly effective rim protector, averaging 5.9 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in just 17 games this season, his persistent injury issues have limited his impact and reliability.”
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Kerman’s trade proposal sends Robinson and a 2027 second-round pick to the Jazz for Keyonte George and Kelly Olynyk.
Robinson’s game is predicated on controlling the glass and making his presence felt as an interior defender.
When the Western Kentucky product isn’t fulfilling his role off the bench, it’s challenging to justify giving him significant playing time on the hardwood.
To make matters worse, Robinson has proven to be an injury-prone big man who’s far from a shoo-in to complete a full season with zero setbacks. Robinson missed over 40 regular-season contests this year due to an ankle injury.
Olynyk shouldn’t be considered a massive upgrade, but his more encouraging offensive skill set and less concerning injury history could suffice in New York.
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