NBA Rumors: Knicks targeting under-the-radar Hornets center to replace Robinson

Training camp hasn’t even started yet and the New York Knicks are dealing with frontcourt injuries to both Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson. Robinson, in particular, is expected to miss significant time to start the season, which put the Knicks in a bind. After a strong offseason that saw them mostly get better, they were still in the process of getting a backup center when news broke that Robinson would miss at least the first five weeks of the season. 

In fact, that is actually the best-case scenario, with the worst-case being that he is out until January, which would put his return at about 9 weeks. By then, the Knicks could have fallen behind and a brutal Eastern Conference that many expected them to finish near the top of. As a result, the Knicks can’t afford to play wait and see, and they don’t appear to be doing that at all. 

According to the Athletics James L. Edwards III, New York is interested in Charlotte Hornets big man Nick Richards. Richard’s is an interesting trade target for the Knicks considering that Richards is only making $10 million over the next two seasons, making him easier for them to acquire in a trade.

Despite starting for the Hornets, they seemingly have their long-term option at center in Mark Williams already on the roster and are likely looking to move him to clear out minutes for Williams.

If that is the case, then the next step is to trade Richards, who averaged a strong 9.7 points, 8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game last season in 51 starts for the Hornets. Although New York is limited as far as assets since they gave up five first-round picks to acquire Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, they still have several second-round picks.

Two or three of which may be enough to add Richards to their front line. If they can, then they could start him in Robinson’s roles, though they probably still experiment with playing Randall at center. Both players could thrive in that role, which would minimize the fallout from Robinson missing extended time.

When Robinson is back, however, New York could be better for it with them having been forced to address the biggest weakness, at backup center, and also by trying out Randall at the five. That would allow New York to play their five best players at the same time and be a potential preview of what’s to come in the playoffs.