Former Knicks center Mitchell Robinson revealed on social media he didn't want to leave New York this summer.
The New York Knicks are coming off an NBA championship season and this summer, they had multiple free agents on their roster. The Knicks retained Landry Shamet and Jose Alvarado after their contributions in the playoffs, but they decided to let Mitchell Robinson walk.
Mitchell Robinson signed with the Boston Celtics on a three-year, $47.4 million deal with a player option on the third season of his deal. Boston was a team who was in need of a big man this summer, and they signed Robinson and retained Neemias Queta to fill out their frontcourt.
Mitchell Robinson was a key contributor to the Knicks' legendary 2026 playoff run. Robinson averaged 4.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks over 18 games in the playoffs this season. His level of physicality and rebounding made him a big asset for New York as they faced teams with talented big men.
Robinson has spent his entire career with the Knicks up to this point. He was drafted 36th overall in 2018 by New York and was a player who worked his way into getting more playing time each season.
He's been one of the fan favorites in New York for years and he has built a close relationship with his teammates. When the news broke that he would be leaving the Knicks, he took to social media to thank the fans and express his gratitude for the city of New York.
OG Anunoby commented on his Instagram post, to which Mitchell Robinson replied and implied he didn't actually want to leave the Knicks.
"I tried brother I didn't want this to happen hopefully the truth comes out at some point," Robinson said.
Why Would New York Let Robinson Go?
The Knicks decided to bring back Jose Alvarado and Landry Shamet this offseason, but Mitchell Robinson was the odd one out. Robinson had continuity with the franchise as well as some big moments in this most recent playoff run, but there's a chance this may have been a money issue.
In June, Knicks owner James Dolan said that he doesn't want his team in the second apron. After bringing back Shamet and Alvarado, on top of all the big contracts on their roster, there's a chance that re-signing Robinson could put the Knicks in the second apron.
New York will now be looking to find that next center to come off the bench and provide strong physical presence in the interior. That player will have to come on board on a cheaper deal, and it could impact the Knicks in the future.
