Knicks Trade Rumors: Mitchell Robinson Discussed by Wizards in Talks With NY

The Washington Wizards have reportedly been in talks regarding a trade for New York Knicks starting center Mitchell Robinson, per SNY’s Ian Begley.

“So 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 (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, their 26-year-old starting center),” Begley wrote.

Begley also noted that “it would be surprising” if New York decides to trade Robinson before or during this week’s NBA draft.

Robinson, 26, averaged 5.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game this season, playing just 31 games while dealing with an ankle injury. He underwent surgery on his left ankle during the second round of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers.

One factor that could play into the Knicks’ decision around Robinson is Isaiah Hartenstein’s free agency. The center has drawn interest from several teams around the league, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, and could reportedly receive offers as high as $100 million this offseason.

Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reported Friday that Hartenstein is “generally expected” to re-sign with New York, but if Hartenstein departs in free agency, the Knicks would likely have to reevaluate whether they want to hold onto Robinson or look for another big man in a possible trade.

The Wizards hold the No. 2 pick in this week’s draft, and Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman projects them to select French big man Alex Sarr. If Washington takes a center with its first pick in the draft, that could lessen the need to trade for Robinson.

If a trade to the Wizards doesn’t work out, there are likely still a handful of teams that would be willing to work with the Knicks to get a veteran center. New York has reportedly been contacting other teams looking for a deal for Robinson, so Washington might be one of many options for a trade.