Knicks Rumors: Mitchell Robinson to Wizards, Goga Bitadze to New York?

The New York Knicks have dangled Mitchell Robinson of late in potential trade packages, and now we know they have engaged in discussions with the Washington Wizards, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.

“The fact that Mitchell Robinson’s name has come up in some of the Knicks’ trade conversations with opposing teams isn’t all that surprising,” Begley wrote. “The Wizards are among the teams whose talks with the Knicks have included dialogue on Robinson. I’m sure several other teams have talked to New York about Robinson.”

Earlier last week, on June 21, Begley reported a few other teams interested in Robinson or at least exploring options at the center position, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, and New Orleans Pelicans, all of which are looking to bolster their center positions.

It’s fair to assume the Knicks are doing due diligence by exploring options as Robinson’s future with the team is uncertain, particularly with Isaiah Hartenstein’s free agency status still up in the air.

There’s always the chance both big boys return next year if the Knicks find a way to convince I-Hart to sign a contract extension. That said, last season was a sound success and Robinson missed most of the year, which might have given New York’s brass all information they needed to try and move Robinson for other pieces that fit the current roster while making Hartenstein the bonafide starting five.

Robinson averaged 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game last season. His season was hampered by a left ankle injury that caused him to miss 50 games. Despite this, it’s worth noting that this brute averaged a stunning 10.3 rebounds (5.3 offensive), 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game and led the league in offensive rebounds for the first 21 games of the season, which had him looking as an early DPOY candidate.

“If the Knicks decide to move Robinson this offseason, it would be surprising if they executed a trade before or during the NBA Draft,” Begley wrote. The Knicks are also considering the impact of Hartenstein’s potential return. “Hartenstein, at this moment, is now generally expected to return to New York,” Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reported. This increases the likelihood of Robinson being traded.

Robinson’s contract carries an average of $13.6 million over the next two years, which some considered a bit of an overpayment given Robinson’s role and the sudden surge of Hartenstein.

If I-Hart re-signs with the Knicks it’d be reasonable for New York to make Robinson a prime trade asset. Begley emphasized the Knicks’ determination to retain Hartenstein in his latest piece, stating “I would still guess that Hartenstein returns to New York if he’s deciding between a Knicks offer and an offer that’s a bit higher.”

Knicks Interested in Magic’s Goga Bitadze

The New York Knicks have shown interest in Orlando Magic center Goga Bitadze, according to Begley. This interest is, once more, linked to the uncertainty surrounding Isaiah Hartenstein’s free agency and the potential trade of Mitchell Robinson.

“Magic big man Goga Bitadze is among the centers that’s been on New York’s radar if it needs to pivot. There are probably many other centers under consideration for this scenario,” Begley wrote.

As things stand, and considering the strongest whispers making it to the rumor mill entering draft week, it’s looking like the Knicks rotation at the five will feature one of the following pairings:

• Robinson + Hartenstein (No changes)
• Robinson + Bitadze (I-Hart signs elsewhere, Knicks sign a FA)
• Hartenstein + Mystery Player (Mitch is traded)

Bitadze, 24, is an unrestricted free agent coming off his second season with the Magic. He averaged 5.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game last year.

“There are probably many other centers under consideration for this scenario,” Begley added.