Should New York Knicks Trade Mitchell Robinson?

The New York Knicks have a surplus of interior threats, which could lead to a Mitchell Robinson trade in the offseason.

Dec 8, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) looks on / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Despite some dire injury news, the New York Knicks have a good problem on their hands.

With Mitchell Robinson back on the floor ... for now they will have four healthy bigs (joining Isahiah Hartenstein, Precious Achiuwa, and Bojan Bogdanovic) to work with through the final regular season games and the postseason. The remaining length should help make up for Julius Randle's confirmed extended absence, as it was announced on Thursday that the three-time All-Star would undergo season-ending surgery to repair a dislocated shoulder suffered in a January win over Miami.

With Randle out, it opens up an opportunity for Robinson, who recently returned from a long-term ankle injury, to make his mark. However, with a clogged-up big man rotation, could Robinson's playoff run with the Knicks be the last we see of him in New York?

Mar 29, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) takes rebound / Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, proposing a "dream trade" for every NBA team to explore this offseason, suggested that New York could look to trade Robinson, especially if they re-sign the impending free agent Hartenstein.

"If the Knicks re-sign Hartenstein, it might be time for them to move on from Robinson, since they would have a hard time justifying two non-spacing centers with eight-figure salaries on the roster," Bleacher Report writes. "Robinson should have plenty of trade value, though, and New York would be wise to cash that in to help replace the shot-creation it lost when sacrificing both RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to get OG Anunoby."

Robinson could be a massive trade piece if the team is looking to truly cash in on a trade for a star in the summer, so the Knicks have to be smart about where and when to deal him (if they choose to do so). Prior to his injury, Robinson was averaging over 10 rebounds a game and seemed destined for All-Defensive Team honors. While it'd no doubt be painful to see the Knicks part ways with their longest-tenured player, his value might never be higher in a deal.