The New York Knicks have secured extensions for their core players over the past two summers, locking in Jalen Brunson (four years, $156.5 million), OG Anunoby (five years, $212.5 million), and Mikal Bridges (four years, $150 million). One notable exception is center Mitchell Robinson, the longest-tenured player on the roster, who will enter the final season of his four-year, $60 million deal signed in 2022.
Like Bridges, Robinson was also eligible to sign a four-year extension. However, the June 20 extension deadline, reported by ESPN’s Bobby Marks, has passed with no new contract in place, positioning Robinson to become an unrestricted free agent after next season.
Robinson Focused on Team, Defers Future to Agents
Despite uncertainty surrounding his future in New York, the 27-year-old vowed to give his all to help the Knicks chase their first NBA title in over 50 years.
“I’m gonna come out here and play hard still regardless, whether it’s my last [year] or my first [year], just come out here and play hard,” Robinson said Thursday, on Day 2 of training camp. “But at the same time, I’m gonna let my agent handle that part of it. I’m just gonna play basketball.”
Robinson is represented by Thad Foucher and Joe Smith of Wasserman, his sixth set of agents since being drafted 36th overall in 2018. Foucher and Smith negotiated Robinson’s current deal, which began at $17 million and descends to an expiring $12.9 million salary this season.
Adapting to Mike Brown’s Up-Tempo System
The stability of Robinson’s career has shifted yet again following the Knicks’ coaching change, with Mike Brown replacing Tom Thibodeau to reimagine the offense. Thibodeau’s system, which became stagnant at times, contributed to New York’s loss in the Eastern Conference Finals against the lower-seeded Indiana Pacers.
Robinson, however, expressed excitement about Brown’s up-tempo approach and the increased conditioning it will demand.
“We’re going up and down the court, putting in a lot of new things that I’ve never seen before, so it’s a process,” he said, reflecting on his summer preparation.
Rotation Uncertainty Adds to Spotlight
Robinson’s role in Brown’s rotation is another key storyline this offseason. He came off the bench last year following recovery from ankle surgery, with Karl-Anthony Towns starting at center.
Despite an injury-riddled season, Robinson averaged 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 17 regular-season games. He remained healthy in the playoffs, appearing in all 18 games as the Knicks reached the East Finals, contributing 4.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest, particularly making an impact against the Boston Celtics in the second round.
Thibodeau had reinserted Robinson into the starting lineup after losing the first two games of the conference finals, replacing Josh Hart.
Accepting Any Role
Robinson remains unfazed by the uncertainty surrounding his contract or his starting status.
“Nah. It doesn’t matter to me at all,” he told reporters. “I started before, came off the bench before. I did great in both. So it’s whatever.”
Hart echoed a similar sentiment, saying he believes he is a starter in the league but will respect Brown’s decision. The new coach has yet to commit to a starting lineup, planning to finalize roles after training camp.
As Robinson enters the final year of his contract under his third Knicks coach, his future in New York will hinge on how he performs on the court and maintains his health. His ability to adapt to Brown’s up-tempo system and secure a prominent role could be decisive for both his career and the team’s championship aspirations.
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