Video: Mitchell Robinson Talks Knicks Trade Rumors with Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart

zach bacharContributor IJuly 2, 2024

Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson isn’t too worried about recent trade rumors.

“It doesn’t really affect me at all,” Robinson said during an appearance on The Roommates Show podcast with Knicks teammates Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart (2:55 mark). “I mean, I really haven’t been paying attention to it.”

Robinson currently has two seasons left on a four-year, $60 million contract that he signed with New York in 2022. However, Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported on June 21 that the Knicks “contacted opposing teams” about moving the 26-year-old.

That may no longer be the case, as former New York center Isaiah Hartenstein signed a three-year deal worth $87 million with the Oklahoma City Thunder as a free agent on Monday. Hartenstein started 49 regular-season games and 13 playoff contests with the Knicks last season.

Shams Charania @ShamsCharaniaBREAKING: Free agent center Isaiah Hartenstein plans to sign a three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Hartenstein departs the Knicks for an enormous contract and gives OKC a new anchor inside. pic.twitter.com/DptmkuaP3v

As things currently stand, Robinson is poised to return to New York as the team’s starting center season. He has plenty of experience in the role, as he’s started 196 games since he was drafted by the Knicks in 2018.

Robinson is expected to serve as the rim protector on a defense that should remain strong after a busy offseason for New York. The Knicks traded for Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets on June 25, then re-signed OG Anunoby to a five-year contract worth $212.5 million.

While Robinson’s defense and offensive rebounding should help New York next season, there are still some questions surrounding his durability. He’s only appeared in at least 70 games during one of his six years in the association, suiting up in a mere 31 contests during his 2023-24 campaign.

As he prepares for a return to the starting lineup next season, potential trades don’t appear to be worrying him.