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New York Knicks may move star who shone in 2025 playoffs, insider claims
Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

An NBA insider has suggested that the New York Knicks could move a Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

The Knicks are coming off their most successful campaign in 25 years, though it has not felt like it. They parted ways with Tom Thibodeau despite the progress and brought in Mike Brown to take over.

Expectations have not dropped – anything less than another trip to the Conference Finals would be seen as a step back.

With Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton both sidelined by Achilles injuries, the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers are no longer major contenders to the title. This could be New York’s best chance to push through to the Finals, and they might need to make a significant move to capitalise on it.

NBA insider suggests Knicks could move Mitchell Robinson


Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Mitchell Robinson was a key part of the Knicks’ run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. He had nine blocks in their series against the Pacers, including three in Game 5, and averaged 7.1 rebounds per game off the bench during the playoffs.

His rim protection helped cover for Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive gaps. But Robinson’s main issue is not about what he does on the court – it is staying healthy. He played just 17 games last season and only 31 the year before.

When fit, Robinson is a valuable piece for any contender. If he manages to stay on the floor, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic raised whether New York might look to move him while his value is high.

“The most fascinating scenario that could present itself during the season is if Robinson doesn’t miss time leading up to the trade deadline and is as dominant during the first 35 games of the regular season as he was in the playoffs.”

“Will New York capitalise on his play and expiring contract by trading him then? Or will they keep him to maintain continuity during their title chase, even if it means risking losing him for nothing in free agency?”

Mike Brown’s first job as New York Knicks head coach should be rebuilding team chemistry

From the outside, New York looked like a tight group last season, fighting their way to the Conference Finals by beating the Celtics. But reports since then have painted a different picture, and one of Brown’s main challenges will be getting everyone back on the same page.

A crucial factor to Thibodeau’s dismissal was his conflicts with Mikal Bridges. He was reportedly frustrated with his workload, as the ex-coach continued to give him significant minutes, even during blowout games.

NBA insider Fred Katz also reported that Thibodeau’s approach did not sit well with OG Anunoby.

Beyond that, NBA analyst Marcus Thompson suggests “erosion of chemistry” between Jalen Brunson and Towns could lead to Brown’s dismissal.

“Because if that happens, it’s because Mike Brown could not stop the erosion of chemistry in that locker room… it finally catches up to them,” he said on Good Word with Goodwill.

It seems the Knicks’ main focus this season is to continue working as a unit, as they did last year.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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