Knicks linked to intriguing Mitchell Robinson replacement

Kel'el Ware. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Knicks linked to intriguing Mitchell Robinson replacement

By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Jul 12, 2026 12:07 PM ET

The New York Knicks will keep most of their championship core together, but they're extremely thin at center.

With Mitchell Robinson gone, they need a reliable backup for Karl-Anthony Towns, even after signing Andre Drummond, given his age and lack of upside at this point in his career.

Considering that, CBS Sports' Sam Quinn believes they could also benefit from the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. With the Milwaukee Bucks potentially open for business for most of their players, he thinks the Knicks should target Kel'el Ware.

The Knicks could explore trading for Kel'el Ware

“This is my ultra aggressive backup center idea for the Knicks: Offer the Bucks a 2032 swap and a 2033 unprotected first for Kel’El Ware,” Quinn shared on X. “CAA guy. Two cheap years left. Ultra-talented. Get him in a winning culture, try to develop him into the long-term 4 once Hart ages out.”

This is my ultra aggressive backup center idea for the Knicks:

Offer the Bucks a 2032 swap and a 2033 unprotected first for Kel’El Ware.

CAA guy. Two cheap years left. Ultra-talented. Get him in a winning culture, try to develop him into the long-term 4 once Hart ages out.
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) July 2, 2026

The CAA connection matters. Knicks president Leon Rose was associated with that agency for years, so there's an obvious bridge linking the former Miami Heat big to the Big Apple.

Ware is an intriguing prospect who has shown flashes of strong defensive play on limited minutes. Like Robinson, the offense isn't quite there yet (and might never be), but he's a rim-running, sturdy and physical big man who can dominate both sides of the glass.

Ware would bring a different profile to the team, with Towns being a face-up, spot-up shooting big and Ware providing a stronger punch in the restricted area. Ware hasn't suited up for his new team, but if the Knicks are looking for a solid backup big with starting-caliber upside, he may not do it at all.

Ernesto Cova

Ernesto is a bilingual (English-Spanish) sports writer with over eight years of experience covering major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB. Ernesto’s work focuses on providing insightful, up-to-date coverage of sports, blending his expertise in sports psychology with a passion for analyzing player performance, team dynamics, and trade developments across various sports leagues

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