NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 26: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks in action against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden on October 26, 2021 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the 76ers 112-99. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Is looming free agent Mitchell Robinson hinting at a Knicks return?
A big decision that is currently looming over the New York Knicks front office is whether to try and extend starting center Mitchell Robinson or let him become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
New York and Robinson have until the end of June to reach an agreement on an extension, and if they don’t he’ll be one of the more popular names in free agency.
Robinson continues to be a great rim protector who may not average 20 points a game, but he’ll do the dirty work by blocking shots, rebounding the ball, and soaring through the sky to throw down a putback dunk. Not to mention he’s only 24 with great potential.
I personally believe extending Robinson is important for reasons other than just his basketball ability. The Knicks haven’t had much success with draft selections in the past causing the team to continue to recycle the “rebuild” process year after year.
Extending Robinson (and RJ Barrett) would help us define a culture here in New York. It’s time to start building something with players that the team takes chances on. They were drafted for a reason, so keep them.
If it were up to me I’d give Robinson his money, which could be up to $15 million per year, and based on his recent social media activity, it seems like he wants to return to the Mecca.
Is Mitchell Robinson trying to say he wants to return to the New York Knicks?
In April, Robinson posted an Instagram story showing that he gave a signed jersey to his alma mater, Chalmette High School. A picture was also snapped with him and the current principal, Wayne Warner. Robinson is seen wearing a “New York or Nowhere” shirt.
Is this a stretch? Likely, yes. But this isn’t the only time that Robinson has portrayed his love for New York on social media. He recently posted a story of him and Barrett in Knicks uniforms (which Barrett also reposted).
Robinson also loves to interact with Knicks fan accounts and retweets things that mention him.
What do ya say, Mitch, give me a retweet here? It’s no secret that he loves New York and the Knicks. But the question is if the two sides don’t end up reaching an agreement by the June deadline, would he take a more lucrative offer from a different team or give New York the “hometown” discount and come back?
