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It is becoming increasingly clear that the New York Knicks have a strategy in place for the center position, which involves potentially bringing in a new player to pair with Mitchell Robinson. Although the team signed Precious Achiuwa to a one-year, $6 million deal, they still view Robinson as the primary starter. However, his availability for the beginning of the season is in question due to ongoing rehabilitation from injury.
Knicks’ Plan for Center Position Takes Shape as Season Approaches
Robinson is recovering from a stress fracture in his foot, and there is a possibility he could miss the early part of the regular season. At 26, Robinson is regarded as one of the top defensive big men in the NBA, but his frequent injuries are a cause for concern.
Last season, he played in just 31 games, averaging 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game. Unfortunately, Robinson has only played more than 70 games in a season once in his career, and that was three years ago. It’s becoming increasingly clear that those healthier days might be behind him.
Knicks Exploring Other Options
The Knicks’ front office has already started exploring alternatives to Robinson, considering both free agents and trade candidates to fill the potential gap. Among the most recent names linked to the team is Robert Williams III, currently with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Like Robinson, Williams is 26 years old and has shown elite defensive potential. Williams played only six games last season, but in the 2021–22 season, he was a second-team All-Defensive player and even garnered the 7th most votes for Defensive Player of the Year. However, injuries have taken a toll on his value, with him appearing in just 35 games the season before last.
Isaiah Stewart as a Potential Target
Another intriguing option for the Knicks could be Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart. Stewart is on a team-friendly four-year, $60 million contract and has the ability to play both center and power forward. This versatility could prove valuable for the Knicks, who might be looking for a big man who can fit into multiple roles. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has speculated that Stewart might be a target for teams needing frontcourt depth, and the Knicks could be one of those suitors.
Patience Pays Off for the Knicks
In typical fashion, the Knicks’ front office is exercising patience as they evaluate their options. They have employed a cautious approach in the past, waiting for the right opportunity to present itself, and it has paid off for them. Although there’s no immediate urgency to make a move before the season starts, Robinson’s uncertain health might prompt the team to act sooner rather than later.
Looking Ahead
As the season approaches, the Knicks will need to address their depth at the center position if Robinson isn’t fully recovered. Whether they opt to trade for a player like Robert Williams III or Isaiah Stewart, or rely on internal options like Precious Achiuwa, remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the team is prepared to make adjustments to ensure they have a strong defensive presence in the paint.
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Celtics Rumors: Insider Provides Massive Update on Potential $100 Million Trade
The Boston Celtics have been very busy this offseason with the moves that they have made. They have already traded two starters to other teams in an effort to get under the second apron of the luxury tax. Brad Stevens made it clear that it was his number-one goal this offseason. It's not a goal he has achieved yet, as they are still around $20 million over the second apron. Because of that, it seems they have been trying to reroute Anfernee Simons after getting him back in the trade for Jrue Holiday. It doesn't look like that is imminent, though. More news: Former Celtics Forward Claps Back at NBA All-Star on Social Media After Random Troll Boston is still trying to find a new home for him, but they aren't in any rush to do so. According to Heavy Sports, the Celtics are keeping their eyes open for a trade partner, but aren't going to accept a bad deal just to part ways with him. “You never know, but the team they have now is probably the team they’ll start the year with,” one GM said. “They could get themselves involved in some blockbuster. But they’re not in a hurry to make that move (on Simons).” Simons is a good player and a good fit for the Celtics when it comes to on-court production. He is a great 3-point shooter who can get hot any night from beyond the arc. For a team that launches more 3-pointers than any other team in the NBA, Simons would be a perfect fit. He is someone who doesn't need the ball in his hands to score. More news: Celtics Front Office Slammed for ‘Gap Year’ Planning Boston is hoping to shed Simons' salary, even though it is an expiring deal. If they can't, they'll have to find some other players to part ways with in order to get under the second apron. Simons would certainly help the Celtics stay as contenders in the 2026-27 season, if he's still on the roster. Stevens will make that decision within the next couple of weeks. This past season with the Trail Blazers, Simons averaged 19.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. He shot 42.6 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from beyond the 3-point line. More news: Former Celtics Champ Laps Kyrie Irving, Chris Bosh in Latest NBA Top 100 List For more news and notes on the Boston Celtics, visit Boston Celtics on SI.
Oilers to Acquire a Top-Tier Goalie. An Official Trade Offer Is on the Table in a Blockbuster Deal
The Boston Bruins have been under pressure to retool after a disappointing season, and now a potential blockbuster move could shake the entire NHL. A major trade proposal has surfaced that could send a star goaltender to the Edmonton Oilers, a move that would give them the elite presence they've lacked in net while forcing Boston closer to a rebuild. The deal being floated by multiple outlets would send Edmonton's current starter, Stuart Skinner, along with Matthew Savoie, Beau Akey, and a 2028 first-round pick to Boston, while the Oilers land a goaltender capable of changing their Cup window overnight. Edmonton's push for a franchise goalie could reshape the Western Conference and challenge the Dallas Stars' path to the Cup If this trade goes through, the Oilers would instantly address one of their biggest weaknesses, setting up a showdown with teams like the Dallas Stars, who already see Edmonton as one of their toughest rivals. Boston, on the other hand, would fully commit to a rebuild, pairing Joonas Korpisalo with Skinner in what could be one of the NHL's weakest tandems, likely boosting their draft lottery odds in one of the most hyped draft classes in recent memory (NHL.com). An insider noted, "They weren't the only ones who had inquired about Swayman, but yes, I was told they poked around." That comment shows just how wide the interest is for this level of goalie talent (Heavy.com). I think this kind of trade would completely shift the balance of power in the West, making Edmonton even more dangerous for teams like Dallas, who could end up facing a vastly upgraded Oilers team in the playoffs. If Boston truly embraces a rebuild, moving their top goaltender could be the first domino in a massive roster overhaul, something that could shake the market for weeks.
Steelers reporter shares big claim about how Aaron Rodgers has looked in training camp
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers spent the bulk of the spring as an unsigned free agent and, thus, only began officially practicing with Pittsburgh Steelers teammates during the team's three-day mandatory minicamp in June. During a Monday appearance on Pittsburgh radio station 102.5 WDVE, Steelers reporter Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette addressed how Rodgers looked during his first few training camp practices with the club. "His release is just astonishing to watch," Dulac said about Rodgers, as shared by Ross McCorkle of Steelers Depot. "Everybody knows about it, and when you see it in person, you see it every day in practice, you just marvel at it. To me, he's the greatest thrower of the football I have ever seen, even at 41 (years old). That flick of that wrist and that ball comes out, it's moving and it is something to see." Rodgers was with the New York Jets when he suffered a torn Achilles four offensive snaps into the 2023 regular-season opener. He was then slowed by a nagging hip issue, injuries to both his knees, a low ankle sprain and a serious hamstring problem as the 2024 Jets went 5-12. According to Pro Football Reference, Rodgers finished last season ranked 28th in the NFL among qualified players with a 48.0 adjusted QBR and 26th with a 43.9 percent passing success rate. That said, he was also eighth with 3,897 passing yards and tied for seventh with 28 passing touchdowns. Rodgers and Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson endured some struggles during training camp sessions last summer before the two allegedly "never saw eye-to-eye" during the season. It sounds like Pittsburgh fans should be encouraged by how Rodgers performed in recent practices. "That guy can get rid of the ball as quick as anybody," Dulac added. "He made three throws in seven-on-seven (drills) the other day that the cumulative total I bet couldn't have exceeded 2.1 seconds. And two of those were for touchdowns." Rodgers wants to finish his career "the right way" and help the Steelers notch at least their first playoff win since January 2017. As of Monday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had Pittsburgh at -150 betting odds to miss the playoffs for the upcoming season.
Raiders' Pete Carroll has cryptic comments on bizarre Christian Wilkins situation
There have been a couple of different theories floated about why the Las Vegas Raiders made the shocking decision to cut star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, but head coach Pete Carroll has no interest in sharing the real motive. The Raiders released Wilkins on Thursday, which was barely a year after they signed him to a four-year, $110M contract in free agency. Initial reports suggested Wilkins and the team were at odds over how the 29-year-old's foot injury was being handled, but the story has since taken a bizarre turn. ESPN's Adam Schefter said on Monday that there was an incident between Wilkins and a teammate in the locker room that Wilkins viewed as playful, but his teammate did not take it that way. Tashan Reed of The Athletic reported that the incident took place in a meeting room at the Raiders' facility last week and was investigated by the team's human resources department. On Tuesday, a reporter asked Carroll about the alleged incident. The 73-year-old coach refused to get into it. "I have no comment to make,” Carroll said, via The Athletic. “We made a decision on what we’re doing, and we’re moving with it. We’ll see how that all unveils itself in time.” The last part of Carroll's comment is interesting. Carroll may have been saying time will tell how the decision to cut Wilkins will turn out for the Raiders, or he may have been insinuating that more information will come out at some point. Raiders defensive tackle Adam Nelson was also asked about Wilkins on Tuesday. Nelson responded by encouraging people to seek therapy if they are struggling with something in their life. Wilkins had 17 total tackles and a pair of sacks in five games with the Raiders before he suffered his season-ending foot injury.
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