The New York Knicks are reportedly engaging a handful of teams in trade talks involving Mitchell Robinson. [photo: Imagn]

Tom Thibodeau has preferred Mitchell Robinson as his starting center since the New York Knicks signed the coach in 2020. During that span, Robinson lined up for tip-off in 170 out of 193 games he’s played. Thibodeau, who loves the big man’s shot-blocking, rebounding and activity, usually has him opening games.

Robinson, though, has been injury-prone. The current longest-tenured Knick has played 90 games over the last two seasons, including 31 during the 2023-24 campaign. Former Knick Isaiah Hartenstein eventually took over Robinson’s starting center role for Thibodeau.

Following the acquisition of All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, the New York Knicks are reportedly taking calls regarding Mitchell Robinson’s trade availability. Despite his injury-prone history, center-needy teams could still try to lure him from the Big Apple.

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5 teams who could pry Mitchell Robinson from the New York Knicks

#5 Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets need some frontline help. Behind Nikola Jokic in the depth chart is DeAndre Jordan, who Mike Malone hardly plays. Malone often plays power forward Aaron Gordon at center when “The Joker” gets a rest.

Getting Mitchell Robinson from the New York Knicks should boost Denver’s poor frontcourt depth. To get Robinson, the Nuggets can offer Zeke Nnaji and a 2026 first-round pick.

Nnaji helps the Knicks’ frontline and gives the team much-needed cap relief and another first-round pick will be a big addition to New York’s assets.

Taking on Mitchell Robinson’s contract will be a tough pill to swallow for the Denver Nuggets, but it’s tougher to see Jokic without frontline help.

#4 Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies made Zach Edey the No. 9 pick in this year’s draft to take over from the traded Steven Adams. Edey might have some growing pains trying to adjust to the speed and pace of the NBA. Behind the rookie, Memphis can count on Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brandon Clark to play the frontcourt.

Memphis could try to pry Mitchell Robinson from the New York Knicks by sending them pieces like Santi Aldama and Vincent Wiliams Jr.

Tom Thibodeau could use Aldama alongside Karl-Anthony Towns if he can get the Spaniard. Aldama’s shooting gives the Knicks flexibility that Robinson couldn’t provide. Williams showed impressive potential in Memphis’ injury-plagued campaign last season.

With the regulars back, Williams would likely struggle to get minutes. Thibodeau’s backcourt can get a boost if New York can get the versatile wing to the roster.

#3 New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans’ biggest weakness next season is the frontline after Jonas Valanciunas left in free agency. Larry Nance Jr. was also sent to Atlanta as part of the package for point guard Dejounte Murray. Daniel Theis is now the team’s most experienced big man.

To address the frontline issue, the Pelicans could send Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, Jordan Hawkins, and a 2026 first-round pick. Robinson-Earl would become part of the New York Knicks’ front-court depth while Hawkins could provide shooting off the bench. After losing Donte DiVincenzo in trading for Karl-Anthony Towns, Hawkins could take over that spot.

The Pelicans could push for a playoff spot with Mitchell Robinson starting in Valanciunas’ place.

#2 Indiana Pacers

The New York Knicks might want to avoid trading Mitchell Robinson to a rival but if the price is right, a deal could be done. The Indiana Pacers have James Wiseman behind Myles Turner in their frontcourt rotation. Getting Robinson would give them a boost that Wiseman hasn’t been able to provide.

To get Robinson, Indiana could give Jarace Walker, the No. 8 pick in last year’s draft and Bennedict Mathurin. Thibodeau’s bench needs scoring punch, an issue that could be fixed if the Knicks can get Mathurin.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle already has a loaded backcourt with Andrew Nembhard and Ben Sheppard giving Tyrese Haliburton a hand. To upgrade their frontcourt, they might be willing to let go of Mathurin and Walker.

#1 Utah Jazz

The New York Knicks could pursue Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz and package Mitchell Robinson with two future first-round picks. New York’s roster doesn’t likely mean it will be drafting early in 2025 and 2026, so giving up those picks might be worth it to get Kessler.

The Jazz seems to be still acquiring assets for a rebuild. They were reportedly willing to listen to offers for Lauri Markkanen in the offseason. Two first-round picks and Robinson’s team-friendly contract, which expires after the 2025-26 season, could make both teams agree on a deal.