New York Knicks trade rumors: $14.3M center's health dictates Leon Rose's next moves on the market
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson is yet to make an appearance in the 2024-25 NBA season. Even in the absence of Robinson, who's set to earn $14.3 million this season, the Knicks have performed well, thanks to the brilliance of Karl-Anthony Towns, who they acquired via trade before the season started.
Over the summer, he suffered a left foot injury and had to undergo surgery. Because of this, the Knicks haven't been clear when he'll be back on the floor. ESPN's Shams Charania said on "NBA Today" on Wednesday that the Knicks big man could make a return late into January.
However, even that target date isn't sure.
“From their starting lineup,” Charania said. “It’s one of the best starting lineups in the league, but you think about the bench. We’ve been talking about their bench depth all season. Mitchell Robinson is the name to keep an eye on. I’m told he’s unlikely to get cleared until at least late January, into February. That pushes his timeline a little bit.
“They need to see exactly whether he comes back and he’s healthy and can play or do you look at the market? Because they do, potentially, need another big man off the bench.”
Last season, Robinson was limited to 31 games. The seven-foot center played the first 21 games of the season before getting sidelined until late March. During the playoffs, the big man was available for most of the first round and played five games.
In the second round against the Indiana Pacers, Robinson played one game before getting injured.
Without Robinson, the New York Knicks have looked to players like Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims to address their slim frontcourt. The franchise has been linked to the Utah Jazz's Walker Kessler, who has been their target since the offseason. Unfortunately for the Knicks, Kessler won't be available for a trade this season, according to Evan Sidery of Forbes.
Who can the New York Knicks trade for to address their frontcourt needs?
While Karl-Anthony Towns has done a wonderful job in the starting lineup for the New York Knicks, they still need to bolster their roster. According to Fadeaway World’s Fran Leiva on Tuesday, the Knicks could explore trading for Atlanta Hawks big man Clint Capela.
"For the Knicks, (Clint) Capela fits like a glove. With Mitchell Robinson struggling to stay healthy and Precious Achiuwa being inconsistent, they need a reliable big man who can rebound, defend, and provide a steady presence in the paint," Leiva wrote.
Leiva pointed out that Capela's $42.8 million deal is set to expire this season and the Hawks could look to trade him.