The New York Knicks are 9-6 after losing 133-121 to the Orlando Magic on Saturday, a record that is still good for fifth in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks are going through a transition process from former head coach Tom Thibodeau to Mike Brown, who is bringing a series of new ideas to the table.
Jalen Brunson missed time due to an injury, which has not helped matters, but the Knicks are still projected to finish at the top of the East by the end of the season and remain a favorite to reach the NBA Finals.
The Knicks have six key players in their core, though their remaining role players are still looking to assert themselves and earn a spot in the playoff rotation.
Given how many assets the front office has spent to acquire talent, the Knicks cannot add another key player, though they could improve their depth with some moves on the margins.
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If they did want to make a notable move, a player in their core would need to be dealt, and according to ESPN salary expert Bobby Marks, they have a piece that could be moved: Mitchell Robinson.
“The $12.9 million expiring contract of Robinson, the ability to swap first-round picks in three years (2026, 2030 and 2032), and eight seconds represent New York’s most appealing trade assets,” Marks wrote.
“If the Knicks traded Robinson for a comparable salary but money owed in 2026-27, they could be a second apron team after their roster fills out.
“One potential move: trading Pacome Dadiet and cash — the Knicks have $7.9 million to include — would give New York enough breathing room below the second apron to sign two players.”
Robinson offers a complementary style of play for the Knicks. He does all of the dirty work that Karl-Anthony Towns does not, offering rim protection, rebounding, and a vertical lob threat.
Losing him would hurt their big man depth, but if they find a deal that makes the team better overall, it could be worth the trade-off.
In all likelihood, unless they think Robinson might walk in free agency, the Knicks will hold onto their core players and potentially pursue other, more subtle deals.
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