Why Knicks can’t afford to mess up retaining Mitchell Robinson

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, extension talks between the New York Knicks and center Mitchell Robinson have not yet gained “traction.” The team’s rim-protecting anchor is entering the final year of his deal, worth around $13M. And while cap mechanics and second-apron flexibility dominate the conversation, this situation is about far more than money.

Understanding Mitchell Robinson's value to Knicks

Robinson is the gravitational center of everything New York does defensively. His presence allows Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges to pressure the ball, Josh Hart to freelance on the glass and even Karl-Anthony Towns to live comfortably on the perimeter when switching ball screens. Opponents second-guess every drive and float attempt when Robinson's on the floor. The Knicks can’t replace that with a trade exception or a mid-level signing. Whether someone understands the value of Robinson is the metric that helps Knicks fans decide if they are going to talk ball with someone or not.

In preseason action, he’s been more involved offensively, finally used as a lob target and vertical dunker, as well as a dynamic screener within five-out and semi-five-out alignments. Under new head coach Mike Brown, Robinson’s role is evolving in subtle but important ways. He’s no floor spacer, but he doesn’t have to be. When he flashes to the high post, he drags his defender out of the lane, opening cutting lanes for Brunson and Bridges. When he delays his roll, the corners — to be filled by pending free agents Landry Shamet or Garrison Mathews — stay clean, forcing defenders into impossible help rotations.

This is what Brown means when he talks about “semi-five-out” basketball — spacing principles applied even with a non-shooting big. Robinson’s gravity isn’t horizontal like a shooter’s; it’s vertical, and just as lethal. When he screens and dives, defenses collapse, and when he waits in the dunker spot, his movement triggers spacing shifts. Robinson’s the pivot point.

Rim pressure still matters even as the Knicks push toward a modernized, pace-and-space identity. Robinson’s verticality remains a pressure valve for an offense that can get too perimeter-heavy. His presence gives Brunson a release valve, and players like Malcolm Brogdon and Miles McBride — both steady secondary ball-handlers — can now orchestrate with pace and tempo while knowing the lob is always available.

Knicks cannot afford to undervalue Mitchell Robinson

So when insiders mention “maintaining roster flexibility” or “second-apron management,” remember that what’s being balanced isn’t just finances but identity. As the longest-tenured Knick, losing him would kill the culture. As the last line of defense, he lets everyone else be themselves.

Undervaluing Robinson risks unraveling that championship fabric.
Nothing so far signals Knicks president Leon Rose doesn't understand this. But if New York forgets that, it will learn the hard way that not all anchors are replaceable.