The New York Knicks defense suffered a massive blow on Monday with the news that starting center Mitchell Robinson will be sidelined at least for the next two months following ankle surgery.
On Monday, it was reported that the team’s starting center would undergo surgery at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery for an ankle injury he suffered in their 133-123 loss to the Boston Celtics on Friday night. The 25-year-old will be out for at least the next two months, and there is no clear timeline for his return until he is reevaluated in 8 to 10 weeks.
Heading into this week, the Knicks have one of the best defenses in the NBA. They are third in points against (108.7), third in defensive boards, and they are top 10 in defensive percentage. Furthermore, they are one of the best in the league in rebounds. Without a doubt, Mitchell Robinson has had a huge effect on those numbers in 2023.
The sixth-year man has been the anchor of their defensive strategy, is an elite rim protector, and is posting career highs in offensive and defensive rebounds, steals, and minutes since he has cut down on his fouls. However, this will be another season where he will miss significant time due to injuries.
For the time being, the Knicks will fill the void with backup center Isaiah Hartenstein and Jericho Sims. The team could certainly try to hold the line and add a veteran in free agency to improve their depth. They could also feel this is a final sign that Robinson is injury-prone and potentially make a major trade for a player who could be a replacement beyond this season.
With that in mind, here are five players New York could target in free agency or the trade market to replace Mitchell Robinson for the next couple of months.
5 New York Knicks free agents or trade targets to replace Mitchell Robinson
Nikola Vucevic
There has been speculation that the New York Knicks could trade for Chicago Bulls stars DeMar DeRozan or Zach LaVine. However, if they make a trade with their long-time rivals soon it could instead be for center Nikola Vucevic.
The 15-year veteran is a four-time All-Star who would not fill the defensive void but would match Robinson’s rebounding numbers while adding more scoring punch. A deal that includes Evan Fournier, Jericho Sims, and a first-round pick might entice the Bulls to move the over $41 million left on Vucevic’s contract after this season as they head to another year outside the playoffs.
Blake Griffin
If New York wanted to go the depth route they could give six-time All-Star Blake Griffin a buzz. The former superstar has transitioned into being a very nice bench player over the last four seasons and played key roles on playoff teams in Brooklyn and Boston. If the team wanted to add a good veteran who could offer productive minutes off the bench, they could do far worse than the 34-year-old.
Clint Capela
If the Knicks were looking for a player similar to Robinson, Atlanta Hawks veteran Clint Capela could be available. The 10-year veteran has been a proven rim protector and double-double player for much of his career and with Capela, the team can maintain the top-five level they have had in the East this season and figure out what to do when Robinson returns later.
Since he only has one year left on his contract, he won’t come cheap and it may cost the Knicks Quentin Grimes, and a first-round pick — along with Fournier to make contracts match — but it might be worth it since he is the best fit among the players that could be available.
Dwight Howard
Like Griffin, eight-time All-Star Dwight Howard would be another possibility to add depth to the frontcourt. The 38-year-old has not played in the NBA since 2021-22 and is dying to get back in the league. He also transitioned into being a rock-solid bench player over the last six years of his career and would be another veteran who could make an impact in limited minutes off the bench and come at a very cheap rate.
Dario Saric or Kevon Looney
With the Golden State Warriors seemingly headed to a season outside the playoffs, the organization could begin planning for the future and aim to cultivate draft assets. That is something the Knicks have a ton of. Both Kevon Looney and Dario Saric are players who are likely not in the organization’s long-term plans and might be available for a couple of second-round picks.
Looney would be closer to what Robinson is on a defense and rebounding level, while Saric is a better scorer who can stretch the floor. Either player would be a positive addition to the Knicks roster for the next few months.