Celtics Announce Mitchell Robinson Decision After Jaylen Brown Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Will Chesanek | Last updated Jul 7, 2026 4:03 PM ET

Mitchell Robinson and the New York Knicks won the 2026 NBA Finals, bringing the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy to New York for the first time since 1973. Robinson was a key contributor, given the role of coming off the bench to defend San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama.

In 13.4 minutes per game in the NBA Finals, the 7-foot center averaged 3.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks on 50.0% shooting from the field. After being selected No. 36 overall in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft by New York, the Florida native was the longest-tenured Knicks player when they won the championship.

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) defends Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6). Mandatory Credit&colon; Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

After spending eight seasons with the Knicks, the former McDonald's All-American signed with the Boston Celtics as an unrestricted free agent for a three-year, $47.4 million contract. The third year is a player option for the Pine Forest High School graduate. On Tuesday, Boston went to social media to announce a decision on the recently signed free agent.

In a post on Instagram, the Celtics showed Robinson in a No. 4 team jersey, revealing his jersey number for the 2026-27 NBA regular season. Center Nikola Vucevic most recently wore the No. 4 for the Celtics during the 2026 season.

Brad Stevens recently traded 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers for Paul George, an unprotected 2031 first-round pick, a 2028 first-round pick swap, and two second-round picks. With the additions of Robinson and George and the loss of Brown, the Celtics will have a different look for the 2026-27 NBA regular season. Robinson joins Neemias Queta and Luka Garza as Celtics centers.

"Gonna look good in green ☘️," the Celtics wrote on Instagram.