Knicks Rumors: Mitchell Robinson Trade Discussed amid Hartenstein FA Contract Buzz

The New York Knicks have been “contacting” other teams to discuss trades involving center Mitchell Robinson, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.

With the Knicks reportedly looking to move Robinson, Fischer added that impending free agent Isaiah Hartenstein is “generally expected” to re-sign with the team.

Although Robinson opened up the 2023-24 season as New York’s starting center, the former second-round pick appeared in only 31 regular-season games due to an ankle injury that he suffered in Dec. 2023.

Hartenstein moved into the starting lineup in the absence of Robinson and thrived alongside All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson, averaging 8.4 points and 8.8 rebounds to go along with 2.6 assists per game as a starter (via Basketball Reference). The Knicks finished the season with the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference, making it to the second round of the playoffs before falling to the Indiana Pacers in seven games.

With New York attempting to bring back Hartenstein, the front office could move Robinson and explore cheaper options at the backup center spot. He currently has two years remaining on his contract and will earn $14.3 million for the 2024-25 season and $12.9 million for his 2025-26 campaign (per Spotrac).

Robinson could entice opposing teams on the trade market due to his defense, as he owns career averages of 1.9 blocks and 0.9 steals in 24.5 minutes per game. He’s also excellent at crashing the offensive glass, recording 4.6 offensive rebounds each night during his injury-shortened 2023-24 season.

Health issues have primarily held him back throughout his career, appearing in more than 70 games just once in his six years in the NBA.

With Hartenstein’s return to New York looking promising, the Knicks will likely continue to discuss trades involving Robinson.