The New York Knicks are entering a stretch where difficult decisions begin to take shape. Mitchell Robinson remains a fan favorite and a major part of the team’s identity, but the mix of injuries, an expiring contract and a tightening salary sheet makes his long-term future harder to predict.
It is also what makes this conversation complicated. When Robinson plays, he changes games. He is one of the more underrated defenders in the league. The problem is that he simply has not been available often enough for the Knicks to rely on that impact over an entire season.
A recent idea from Fansided’s Maxwell Ogden introduced a possible path forward. Ogden identified Daniel Gafford as the Dallas Mavericks’ “most likely trade candidate,” citing Dereck Lively’s rise and Dallas’ long-term direction at center. If the Mavericks begin exploring options, the Knicks could consider a framework. But there is also a growing argument that New York may already have its answer in Robinson if they are willing to bet on his availability.
Why Daniel Gafford Fits What the Knicks Need
Robinson is one of the league’s most disruptive interior defenders when he is available. His rim protection, offensive rebounding and physicality continue to shape how opponents attack the paint. Again, the issue has never been talent. It has been availability. Robinson has only played 48 regular-season games across the last two years and is already working through injuries again. It creates a tension the Knicks have struggled to resolve. They know what he gives them when he is on the floor. They just cannot count on getting it consistently.
Gafford offers a similar style with a steadier track record. Before last season’s dip, he played at least 72 games for three straight years and has been consistent as a rim runner, rebounder and shot-blocker. Last season he averaged 12.4 points and 6.3 rebounds in just 22 minutes per game. He also started 22 playoff games during Dallas’ run to the 2024 NBA Finals, showing he can handle postseason responsibility.
The overlap is clear. Both players give you vertical spacing and interior protection. The separation comes from durability and availability over an entire season. For a Knicks team trying to compete deep into the spring, that distinction matters.
Why Robinson Might Still Be Worth the Risk
Even with the durability concerns, Robinson’s impact when he plays is hard to replicate. His statistical profile this season has been staggering. He ranks first in offensive rebound percentage, first in total rebound percentage, first in offensive rebounds per 100 possessions and first in total rebounds per 100 possessions. The Knicks are a +17.59 with him on the floor.
He also became the first player in NBA history to record a +40 or better in 18 minutes or fewer, a snapshot of how quickly he can tilt a game. The highs remain incredibly high. For a roster built around defense, toughness and second-chance creation, Robinson still provides a ceiling that Gafford does not quite match.
This is the heart of New York’s dilemma. Gafford brings health and consistency. Robinson brings game-changing impact in shorter bursts. Which matters more?
The Financial Question for the Knicks
The Knicks are approaching a cap structure that will require difficult choices. New York is projected to owe more than $190 million to Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart in 2026–27. Will they have enough to extend Robinson?
Gafford’s contract brings stability. He is owed just over $54 million across three seasons, with a cap number that stays around $17 million annually. It is predictable and aligned with New York’s competitive window. A new Robinson deal would likely be more expensive and carry more risk given his availability history.
For a front office managing long-term flexibility, that difference might matter.
How a Framework Could Come Together
Any structure would begin with Robinson due to salary matching. Yabusele would likely be included, with a pick or prospect depending on how Dallas values the expiring money.
A reasonable outline could look like:
Knicks receive:
• Daniel Gafford
Mavericks receive:
• Mitchell Robinson
• Additional compensation
Dallas could view Robinson’s expiring contract as a way to create flexibility next summer. New York would secure cost-controlled stability at center for the next three years if they choose that route.
Final Word for New York
Moving Robinson would be difficult. He is respected in the locker room and central to how the Knicks defend. He is also one of the most impactful players on the roster when he is healthy. Gafford brings stability and availability, but Robinson still has the higher ceiling and the more dramatic game-to-game influence.
If the Knicks are willing to take on some risk and trust their medical staff, keeping Robinson may ultimately offer the bigger payoff. Gafford is a viable option. Robinson might still be the better bet.
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