According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, extension talks between the New York Knicks and center Mitchell Robinson have not yet gained “traction.” The team’s rim-protecting anchor is entering the final year of his deal, worth around $13M. And while cap mechanics and second-apron flexibility dominate the conversation, this situation is about far more than money. Robinson is the gravitational center of everything New York does defensively. His presence allows Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges to pressure the ball, Josh Hart to freelance on the glass and even Karl-Anthony Towns to live comfortably on the perimeter when switching ball screens. Opponents second-guess every drive and float attempt when Robinson’s on the floor. The Knicks can’t replace that with a trade exception or a mid-level signing. Whether someone understands the value of Robinson is the metric that helps Knicks fans decide if they are going to talk ball with someone or not. In preseason action, he’s been more involved offensively, finally used as aRead More
Why Knicks can’t afford to mess up retaining Mitchell Robinson
