The New York Knicks have been one of the most impressive teams this season, proving doubters wrong after acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns in a blockbuster trade.
Their strong performances have propelled them to third place in the Eastern Conference standings. However, as they push for a deep playoff run, one glaring issue remains—their lack of depth at the center position.
Mitchell Robinson, their defensive anchor, has yet to make his season debut following ankle surgery, leaving the Knicks searching for solutions. But now, a new concern has emerged regarding Robinson’s physical condition, which could impact both his return and his future with the team.
Mitchell Robinson’s Weight Loss Raises Concerns
Veteran NBA insider Ian Bagley recently spotted Mitchell Robinson in the locker room and noticed a significant physical change, stating, “He looks slim.” Robinson had already shared a video last week showing that he had dropped to 268 pounds as part of his recovery process. But now, it appears he has shed even more weight.
While staying in shape is crucial, excessive weight loss could pose a problem. Previously weighing over 280 pounds, Robinson’s size was one of his biggest strengths in defending elite centers like Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid, both of whom are well over 280 lbs. If he becomes too light, he may struggle to hold his ground against these dominant big men in the paint.
How Robinson’s Status Affects the Knicks’ Trade Plans
Robinson’s injury history has become a growing concern for the Knicks. While he is a valuable player when healthy—averaging 8.5 rebounds and over one block per game last season—his lingering ankle issues have made him a liability.
With the trade deadline approaching in February, reports suggest the Knicks are exploring potential moves to acquire more frontcourt depth. Robinson still has one year remaining on his $60 million contract, and New York could use that number to bring in a reliable backup center for KAT.
According to analyst Matt Shovelson, the Knicks are considering trade options, with the Washington Wizards emerging as a potential destination.
“The Knicks need bench help badly, and the Wizards have players such as Malcolm Brogdon or Corey Kispert that could help with that.”
A trade would also free up cap space and allow the Knicks to pursue other big men, such as Cameron Johnson or Nikola Vucevic.
Will Teams Take a Risk on Robinson?
Despite Robinson’s talent, his market value has taken a hit due to his recurring injuries. Teams may hesitate to offer significant assets for a player who has struggled to stay on the court. This is why the Knicks want him to return as soon as possible—either to contribute to their playoff push or to boost his trade value before the deadline.
Head coach Tom Thibodeau recently addressed Robinson’s status, stating:
“He hasn’t been cleared for contact yet. So, that will be the next phase.”
This indicates that while Robinson is making progress, he is still far from a return. Meanwhile, the Knicks will have to rely on players like Precious Achiuwa and others to fill the gap, even though they are not natural centers.
Should the Knicks Trade Mitchell Robinson?
With the Knicks emerging as serious contenders, they cannot afford to have gaps in their roster. If Robinson remains sidelined, trading him for depth might be the best option. However, given his injury history and current condition, finding a suitable deal could be a challenge.
The Knicks will have to decide soon—wait for Robinson to return and strengthen their defense or move him while they still can. Either way, their decision will play a crucial role in determining their playoff fate.
Do you think the Knicks should trade Mitchell Robinson? Let us know in the comments!
