The New York Knicks are walking a financial tightrope as they attempt to balance roster depth with looming second apron restrictions — and Mitchell Robinson’s future could be the first domino to fall.
According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the Knicks have opened extension talks with Robinson’s representatives but remain far apart in negotiations.
“The Knicks have had some discussions about extending center Mitchell Robinson, sources say, but there hasn’t yet been traction toward a deal,” Windhorst reported. “Robinson is in the last year of a contract that pays him $13 million this season.”
Per ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks, the Knicks have until June 30 next year to finalize an extension with the 27-year-old center. Otherwise, Robinson becomes an unrestricted free agent next summer.
Robinson: ‘I’m Just Gonna Play Basketball’
Despite uncertainty surrounding his future, Robinson said he remains focused on doing his job.
“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 during 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, marking his sixth agency change since being drafted 36th overall in 2018. Foucher and Smith negotiated Robinson’s current four-year, $60 million deal, which declines annually to an expiring $12.9 million salary this season.
New Coach Mike Brown’s Up-Tempo System a New Challenge
The Knicks’ offseason coaching change — hiring Mike Brown to replace Tom Thibodeau — adds another variable to Robinson’s situation. Brown is implementing a more dynamic, pace-oriented offense that contrasts with Thibodeau’s slower, isolation-heavy system.
Robinson said the early adjustments have been demanding but exciting.
“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.
Brown’s emphasis on transition play and spacing could reshape Robinson’s role, particularly if the Knicks seek more offensive versatility at the center spot.
Knicks Managing Robinson’s Health Carefully
Robinson opened the preseason strong, grabbing 16 rebounds in 18 minutes — including five offensive boards — in a win over Philadelphia in Abu Dhabi. However, his minutes have since dipped, and SNY’s Ian Begley reported that the Knicks plan to manage his workload carefully this season after he was held out of practice and their recent preseason games.
“The Knicks plan to manage Robinson’s minutes over the course of the year,” Begley wrote, adding that he will likely be held out of some games as a precaution.
Last season, Robinson averaged 5.1 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 17 regular-season games after returning from foot surgery. He stayed healthy through the playoffs, appearing in all 18 games and averaging 4.7 points and 7.8 rebounds, helping New York reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
John Wallace: ‘He’s Our Defensive Anchor’
Former Knicks forward John Wallace, a member of the 1999 NBA Finals team, called Robinson the most impactful interior defender on the roster — even alongside elite wings OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges.
“We just need Mitch Robinson to stay healthy,” Wallace told Heavy Sports. “[Robinson] is our defensive anchor. He’s great in the pick-and-roll, can guard guards, protect the rim, and clog the paint like no other. He’s also the best offensive rebounder in the NBA — he gets the Knicks extra possessions and deters shots at the basket.”
Wallace said Robinson’s defensive presence remains essential to New York’s title aspirations.
“OG and Mikal are our best perimeter defenders, no question, but you need an inside presence. That’s what Mitch does,” Wallace said. “Even if he doesn’t start, Mitchell Robinson is going to play a lot. Whatever decision they make will be in the best interest of the Knicks making a huge run this year.”
Knicks’ Big Decision Looms
With Brown reshaping the offense and salary-cap pressures intensifying, the Knicks face a pivotal decision: commit long-term money to Robinson or risk losing one of their most valuable defenders for nothing next summer.
Either way, as New York chases its first NBA championship in over 50 years, Robinson’s contract situation could define both the team’s flexibility and its defensive identity heading into 2026.
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