By Nelson EspinalShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberThe New York Knicks are 9-6 after losing 133-121 to the Orlando Magic on Saturday, a record that is still good for fifth in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks are going through a transition process from former head coach Tom Thibodeau to Mike Brown, who is bringing a series of new ideas to the table.
Jalen Brunson missed time due to an injury, which has not helped matters, but the Knicks are still projected to finish at the top of the East by the end of the season and remain a favorite to reach the NBA Finals.
The Knicks have six key players in their core, though their remaining role players are still looking to assert themselves and earn a spot in the playoff rotation.
...Given how many assets the front office has spent to acquire talent, the Knicks cannot add another key player, though they could improve their depth with some moves on the margins.
More news: Warriors’ Draymond Green Sends Harsh Message to Knicks
If they did want to make a notable move, a player in their core would need to be dealt, and according to ESPN salary expert Bobby Marks, they have a piece that could be moved: Mitchell Robinson.
"The $12.9 million expiring contract of Robinson, the ability to swap first-round picks in three years (2026, 2030 and 2032), and eight seconds represent New York's most appealing trade assets," Marks wrote.
"If the Knicks traded Robinson for a comparable salary but money owed in 2026-27, they could be a second apron team after their roster fills out.
"One potential move: trading Pacome Dadiet and cash -- the Knicks have $7.9 million to include -- would give New York enough breathing room below the second apron to sign two players."
Robinson offers a complementary style of play for the Knicks. He does all of the dirty work that Karl-Anthony Towns does not, offering rim protection, rebounding, and a vertical lob threat.
Losing him would hurt their big man depth, but if they find a deal that makes the team better overall, it could be worth the trade-off.
In all likelihood, unless they think Robinson might walk in free agency, the Knicks will hold onto their core players and potentially pursue other, more subtle deals.
More news: Tom Thibodeau Felt ‘Betrayed’ by Knicks After Shock Firing
For all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI Guidelines
Add Newsweek as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Recommended For You
NBABronny James Explains Why Lakers Sent Him to the G League3 min read
NBAJoel Embiid’s Concerning Absence Carries Into 76ers’ Heat Matchup3 min read
NBAJames Harden Has 3-Word Message After Setting Clippers Record3 min read
NBALeBron James Posts Powerful Reaction to Chris Paul’s NBA Retirement2 min read
NBAPistons Issue Final Jaden Ivey Update vs Bucks3 min read
NBALakers’ JJ Redick Sends Strong Message on Chris Paul Retiring4 min readRelated Podcasts
Top Stories
WorldUkrainian Troops Push Back in Fierce Fight for Key City—Kyiv5 min read
NewsJasmine Crockett Mocks Marjorie Taylor Greene for Resignation5 min read
PoliticsZohran Mamdani Recounts Visit With Donald Trump5 min read
WorkHired, Managed, and Fired by AI: Stories From Those Who Have Been There6 min read
NewsMarjorie Taylor Greene’s Next Move? What Polls Tell Us4 min read
NewsNigerian School Kidnapping Update: 50 Children Escape Abductors5 min readTrending
Higher EducationFull List of Degrees Not Classed As ‘Professional’ by Trump Admin8 min read
Winter StormWinter Storm Warning As 18 Inches of Snow To Hit5 min read
Product recallAmazon Recall: Threat-To-Life Warning Issued For Items Pulled Nationwide4 min read
Social SecuritySocial Security Issues Update on 2025 Changes4 min read
SNAP benefitsSNAP Benefits To Change From December: What to Know4 min readOpinion
OpinionConventional Wisdom: Price of Culture Edition3 min read
OpinionLatinos Catch the Fish. Why Aren’t They at the Decision-Making Table? | Opinion5 min read
OpinionWhy Is the US Punishing Legal Immigrants? | Opinion5 min read
OpinionWhat Is an American?6 min read
OpinionConventional Wisdom: MAGA Infighting Edition2 min read
