Are the New York Knicks done making moves this summer?
While the roster is taking shape — and, a nice one at that — there are no certainties in an NBA offseason.
Thomas Gorski of Sports Illustrated proposed this Knicks-Charlotte Hornets trade idea:
Knicks send: C Mitchell Robinson, C Ariel Hukporti
Hornets send: G Josh Green, 2026 second-round pick (Via Denver or Golden State), 2028 second-round pick (Via a Los Angeles Clippers swap), and a 2030 second-round pick
Green is a fine player, and his career 38% from three-point land could entice New York. However, with Jalen Brunson running the show, Mikal Bridges at the two, and Deuce McBride, Jordan Clarkson, and Tyler Kolek all coming off the bench, guard play is not its top priority.
More importantly, why would the Knicks trade Robinson? He is on an expiring deal at a little over $12.9 million for 2025-26, and has played in just 337 games over seven seasons. Do those outweigh his value as a rim protector and rebounder (on both sides of the court)?
Maybe. Maybe not. But, New York’s best chance of finally winning a championship for the first time since 1973 includes a monster down low like Robinson, not more guards and essentially meaningless second-round picks.
Robinson also allows the Knicks to stretch Karl-Anthony Towns out at the four, where he can focus on his pick-and-pop and post-up offensive game, while letting Robinson deal with the far heavier defensive load.
It is not the most far-fetched idea for New York to trade Robinson, and it is a notion that fans have long speculated about. Still, Robinson gives the Knicks a better shot at winning, now, and that remains their sole intention.
