Are the Knicks preparing for a Mitchell Robinson trade?

Dec. 15 marks the unofficial start of the NBA trade season, as free agents who were signed this offseason become eligible to be traded. The rumors are already at work, with the Knicks at the center of multiple rumors.

In recent days, Kris Pursiainen of ClutchPoints reported that New York is interested in the acquisition Donte DiVincenzo OR José Alvaradoand James Ham of ESPN1320 reported showing interest in Dennis Schroder. DiVincenzo remains a fan favorite for perhaps having the Knick’s best single-season career in franchise history, while the other two are reliable, defensively stout guards who make a natural group of targets.

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What is notable are their salaries: DiVincenzo makes $12 million and Schroder $14 million. If the Knicks really aim to acquire one, to match the salaries they will have to give up half their bench or a key player.

Mitchel Robinson he was the longest tenured Knick in all of Pink Lion era, having a huge impact on multiple playoff runs. But this is the final year of his contract, they haven’t agreed to an extension, and historically the Knicks have traded players in similar situations before allowing them to hit free agency.

Maybe this time is different, but Robinson’s health has been a major concern, his defense has declined dramatically, and his contract appears to be the only one in line with these reported trade goals. Are the Knicks preparing to trade Robinson, and if so, should they?

If the first case is true, it cannot be derived from commercial interest relationships. On the rare occasion the Knicks made a midseason trade, they weren’t pre-linked to their targets, and an opposing team’s batting report can easily squeeze the homegrown player’s value for future deals.

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It’s possible New York wants offseason flexibility and re-signs Robinson this summer. He was immensely effective in the postseason and despite his struggles this year he was a beast on the offensive glass.

The fact that his salary matches potential trade acquisitions means little, as complicated as combining salaries or tying up third and fourth teams if it still happens, and is an alternative route to securing these names. They could also simply be interested but unwilling to abandon Robinson.

Should they be? Concerns about his health are legitimate, having not played a 60-game season since 2022 and under restrictions this year.

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When he did play, he didn’t look the same defensively, with his mobility taking a hit. With Robinson on the court, the Knicks are allowing 114.2 points per 100 possessions compared to 110.3 with him off, when he has historically had the opposite impact.

He’s been the same monster on the glass as usual, and he’s still their best option at backup center. Without Robinson, the Knicks are exhausted Guerschón Yabusele, Ariel Hukporti, AND Trey Jemison III.

That’s one of the concerns about the trade, although the Knicks could theoretically fill that gap with another move. Move Robinson and Yabusele/ Pacome DadietDoes the /picks package for DiVincenzo/Schroder and a new backup five provide enough extra value to shake up team chemistry and avoid losing a free agent?

The answer probably depends on who New York can acquire on both fronts. If DiVincenzo is actually in the game, it’s hard for the Knicks to ignore this playbook.

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DiVincenzo would provide a jolt of shooting and creation in a system for which he is uniquely equipped, not to mention the narrative and aura surrounding such a reunion would take the city by storm. Ironically, Schroder might be even better suited as a reliable ball handler and louder defender.

But if New York can’t fill Robinson, things get more difficult. Maybe they believe enough in Yabusele and Hukporti, or they can somehow scam a Daniel Gafford OR Jalen Blacksmith.

Again, the positive, game-changing impact Robinson can provide in the playoffs makes it difficult to justify even a marginal improvement on paper during a championship hunt. What is more realistic is that the Knicks are doing their due diligence on every front and exploring all avenues to maximize these upcoming playoff runs.

What actually materializes towards an exchange will most likely be nothing compared to what we have seen. New York is particularly short on chips and flexibility here, and won’t want to upset a 17-7 Knicks team headed to the NBA Cup championship.

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However, anything is possible in this wild league and with this ruthless franchise desperately chasing its first title in 50 years. We’ll definitely be hearing a lot more between now and February, but don’t read too much unless something finally happens.