Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson already drawing significant free agent interest

Whether Robinson commands that kind of money remains to be seen. But the suitors are real.

Fischer reports the Bulls, Hornets, Lakers and Raptors are all considered potential destinations for the 28-year-old center. Chicago could have up to $56 million in cap space this offseason.

Los Angeles could also operate under the cap. The Hornets and Raptors are both expected to have the full mid-level exception available, projected at $64.7 million over four years. All four teams are looking for center upgrades, per Fischer.

Robinson is a strong, versatile defender and an elite rebounder — particularly on the offensive glass. He’s stayed relatively healthy this season, appearing in 60 regular-season games after missing extended time in recent years.

The knock on him is the free-throw line. He’s converting just 32% of his 3.3 attempts per game through 15 playoff appearances, which has limited his minutes at times. The Hack-a-Robinson stuff is real.

When he’s not being intentionally fouled, though, he’s been impactful. Coach Mike Brown and Karl-Anthony Towns both praised his late-game defense on Victor Wembanyama after New York’s Game 2 Finals win over San Antonio. The Knicks lead that series 2-0, both wins coming on the road.

New York holds Robinson’s Bird rights and could technically bring him back. The problem is the Knicks project to be over the second tax apron next season if they do, which complicates things significantly.

Robinson has spent all eight of his NBA seasons in New York after being selected 36th overall in 2018. Replacing what he brings wouldn’t be easy.