The writing is on the wall for Mitchell Robinson's future with the New York Knicks, and it’s not pretty. If the latest rumors hold any truth, his days in the Big Apple might be numbered. For years, Robinson’s name has been tossed around in trade talks, and as he approaches his eighth season with the team, it seems the chatter hasn’t quieted down one bit. But here’s where it gets controversial: is letting go of a player with such defensive prowess really the best move for the Knicks? Let’s dive in.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks has predicted that the financially strained Knicks will likely make another significant trade this October, following last year’s blockbuster deal that sent Julius Randle to the Timberwolves in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns. While names like Tyler Kolek and Pacome Dadiet have been floated as potential trade candidates, Marks has specifically highlighted Robinson as the player to watch as the regular season approaches. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about his on-court performance—it’s about the financial handcuffs he could place on the organization.
Keeping Robinson could push the Knicks into the dreaded second apron of the NBA’s salary cap, a move that would trigger crippling tax penalties and severely limit their flexibility in future roster moves. According to Marks, if the Knicks retain Robinson and keep their current roster intact, they’re projected to exceed the second apron threshold for the 2025-26 season by a staggering $16.15 million. With the new CBA in place, this isn’t just a slap on the wrist—it’s a full-blown financial nightmare that could hamstring the team for years.
To put this in perspective, the Boston Celtics—a team that won the NBA Championship just two seasons ago—are currently dismantling their roster to avoid the very same fate. Exceeding the second apron doesn’t just limit a team’s ability to sign free agents; it can also impact their draft picks and long-term competitiveness. For the Knicks, Robinson’s $12.95 million salary for 2025-26 might not single-handedly solve their cap issues, but packaging him in a trade seems like one of the most logical moves Leon Rose and the front office could make.
But let’s not forget Robinson’s value on the court. When healthy, he’s a defensive anchor with a career 107 defensive rating—a stat that underscores his importance to the Knicks’ rotation. The problem? He’s rarely healthy. Since entering the league in 2018, Robinson has played in just 337 out of a possible 554 games, including only 48 combined over the last two seasons. Add in the fact that he’s set to hit unrestricted free agency next summer, and the case for trading him becomes even more compelling.
Here’s the million-dollar question: Is it worth sacrificing Robinson’s defensive impact to avoid financial penalties? The Knicks have until October 20 to finalize their roster, and fans should expect the front office to be working overtime to get their payroll under control. While Robinson’s departure might sting, it could be the necessary move to keep the team competitive in the long run. But what do you think? Is trading Robinson the right call, or should the Knicks find another way to navigate their cap woes? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
