Sacramento emerges as a potential suitor for New York’s defensive anchor. But would Robinson's rebounding prowess justify the cost given the Kings' crowded frontcourt and spacing concerns?
Although the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks are in very different places as far as team success goes, both squads have similar situations regarding cap space and flexibility this free agency.
On Friday, the New York Post's Stefan Bondy linked these two teams through Mitchell Robinson, saying that Sacramento has been a "fan" of the Knicks' longtime big man.
"Sources around league have pegged Sacramento as a threat to pry Mitchell Robinson away in free agency," Bondy wrote. "Kings GM Scott Perry has long been a fan of Robinson after drafting him 2018 as a member of Knicks front office."
After dealing with injury problems the past two years, Robinson appeared in 60 games during the regular season, averaging 5.7 points and 8.8 rebounds on stellar 72.3-percent shooting.
Robinson has continued to give the Knicks solid bench production during the first two rounds of the playoffs, helping New York return to the Eastern Conference Finals.
After signing a 4-year, $60 million deal with the Knicks back in the 2022-2023 season, Robinson will be and unrestricted free agent this offseason, likely commanding a more lucrative price tag.
While Robinson's effort and tenacity on the glass makes him an instant fit on most teams, the Kings' front court is congested and adding another non-shooter like Robinson to the roster could backfire.
With rookie center Maxime Raynaud's potential All-Rookie season, and 3-time NBA All-Star Domantas Sabonis returning to his starting role, Robinson's minutes would be tough to come by.
Rookie big man Dylan Cardwell is also a similar player to Robinson, while commanding much less money on his rookie deal.
Robinson's free-throw woes are also a concern, as teams will sometimes opt to intentionally foul the 50.8-percent career foul-shooter.
This season, Robinson's struggles have heightened, as the eighth-year big man is shooting just 40.8-percent from the charity stripe.
If the Kings decided to add Robinson, they may unintentionally stunt the growth of Raynaud, who seems like the biggest steal of last year's draft.
After the All-Star Break, the No. 42 overall selection played like a lottery pick, earning Rookie of the Month honors for March.
Raynaud averaged 17.9 points and 8.5 rebounds in March, starting all 15 games he appeared in.
With Raynaud's ability to stretch the floor and play within the mid-range, the Kings could explore a double-big lineup with he and Sabonis, which makes it even more difficult to see value in adding Robinson.
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