Knicks' request for disabled player exception to be denied

Robinson had surgery about four weeks ago after experiencing inflammation in his left ankle. A report indicated that he was expected to miss the remainder of the season, but he has apparently been showing progress in his recovery.

The Knicks’ decision to apply for the DPE was a case of “due diligence” by the front office, notes Steve Popper of Newsday, who also hears that the team is hoping Robinson can return. Management was looking for another way to improve the team and hasn’t given up hope that Robinson will play again this season, adds Ian Begley of SNY.tv (X link).

Disabled Player Exceptions are in place to help teams who lose a significant player to a long-term injury. There’s no risk for teams to seek them, but the league must determine that the player will be sidelined until at least June 15 for the request to be approved. DPEs allow teams to sign a replacement player for 50% of the injured player’s salary or for the amount of the non-taxpayer’s mid-level exception, whichever is lesser.

New York still has trade exceptions worth $6.8M and $5.2M that it can use until the Feb. 8 trade deadline, notes Bobby Marks of ESPN (X link).

The Knicks have been able to remain competitive without Robinson because Isaiah Hartenstein has done an exceptional job as his replacement. In the 11 games he has started, Hartenstein is averaging 7.7 points and 10.3 rebounds while shooting 61.8% from the field, notes Tim Bontemps of ESPN (X link).