Knicks News: $30 Million Dilemma Could Force James Dolan to Trade Mitchell Robinson, Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma Emerges as Top Option

The New York Knicks may have solved their ‘center’ trouble. In the previous edition, the team had to juggle between two backup centers after Julius Randle’s shoulder injury. While Mitchell Robinson was the primary backup, he couldn’t deliver to his fullest owing to his ankle injury. It eventually left the NY side to trust Isaiah Hartenstein, the second backup. Now that the team heads into the 2024 off-season, the team has fallen into a dilemma to trade Robinson as the Kyle Kuzma trade scenario popped up.

Ian Begley of SNY TV reported that the Knicks and Washington Wizards have discussed a “potential” Mitchell Robinson trade. And Kyle Kuzma could emerge as the top option to replace the big man in the Knicks fold.

One of the main reasons for the dilemma could be because of Isaiah Hartebstein’s rise in the last season. The Knicks roped him in for a 2-year contract worth $16 million. While he barely had the opportunity to prove himself in his first season with the NY side, he had plenty in the second. The team relied on him with both Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson (ankle) out with injuries. And, he delivered a promising performance, averaging 7.8 points with 8.3 rebounds.

Moreover, he also impressed the team with his IQ and postseason performance. Importantly, the 26-year-old entered an unrestricted free agency this off-season, leaving him with no choice other than to appreciate his value. On the other hand, Robinson, with a $60 million four-year contract, has two more years left in the tank. The Knicks still owe $30 million to Robinson and at the same time, they can also find a perfect replacement by matching the salary.

Practically, it could be impossible to match the salary with Kyle Kuzma. The Wizards forward has three more years left in the contract with an annual salary of $22 million. Maybe the Knicks could risk their caps space to rope him in.

With Kyle Kuzma, the Knicks have an issue with a forward star

During the last season, the Knicks found a temporary remedy for the center issue. Ahead of the trade deadline, the team roped in OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors. The 26-year-old, in the prime of his career, delivered his best in the latter of the season. And, as per the reports, the Knicks are highly likely to retain him for a long-term contract.

Moreover, the star, who received an annual salary of $18 million, can have his salary soar up to $30-$35 million in the upcoming contract. Thanks to his elite defensive capabilities and postseason performance.

While the Knicks have almost had to double their salary for Anunoby, they have no other option apart from letting one of their backup centers go. Considering Isaiah Hartenstein’s rise to form in the previous season, the Big Apple side will most likely let go of Mitchell Robinson. Nevertheless, the team looked lethal despite its shorthanded attack. After the return of Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson will have more options to make his case for a championship run. Will the Knicks win the title next year? Let us know in the comments below.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.