Knicks News: $30 Million Dilemma Could Force James Dolan to Trade Mitchell Robinson, Wizards’ Kyle Kuzma Emerges as Top Option

The New York Knicks may have solved their ‘Center’ trouble. In the previous season, the team had to juggle between two backup centers after Julius Randle’s shoulder injury. While Mitchell Robinson was the primary backup, he couldn’t deliver to his fullest owing to his ankle injury. It eventually left the NY side to trust Isaiah Hartenstein, the second backup. Now that the team heads into the 2024 off-season, the team has fallen into a dilemma to trade Robinson as a Kyle Kuzma trade scenario has popped up.

As per @KnicksMuse on X, Ian Begley of SNY TV reported that the NY Knicks and Washington Wizards have discussed a “potential” Mitchell Robinson trade. Kyle Kuzma could emerge as the top option to replace the big man. One of the main reasons for a ‘dilemma’ could be because of Hartenstein’s rise last season. They roped him in for a 2-year contract worth $16 million. While he barely had the opportunity to prove himself in his 1st season with the NY side, it was the opposite in the 2nd. The team relied on him with both Randle and Robinson out and he delivered a promising performance, averaging 7.8 points with 8.3 rebounds.

Moreover, he also impressed everyone with his IQ and postseason performance. Importantly, the 26-year-old entered an unrestricted free agency this off-season, and it’s seemingly left the team with no choice other than to appreciate his value. On the other hand, Robinson, with a $60 million 4-year contract, has two more years left. The Knicks still owe him about $27 million. Either way, it would cost the franchise easily more than $30 million to accommodate both of them. By getting Kyle Kuzma, they could lower the amount payable. He has 3 more years left with an annual salary of $23.5 million. But that’s not the end of the Knicks’ problems.

With Kyle Kuzma, the Knicks have another dilemma with a forward star

During the last season, the Knicks found a temporary remedy for the center issue. Ahead of the trade deadline, the team roped in OG Anunoby from the Toronto Raptors. The 26-year-old, in the prime of his career, delivered his best in the latter of the season. And, as per the reports, the Knicks are highly likely to retain him for a long-term contract. Moreover, the star, who received an annual salary of $18 million, can have his salary soar up to $30-$35 million in the upcoming contract courtesy of his elite defensive capabilities.

He averaged 48.9% from the field and 38.2% from 3Ps, stacking up 14.7 points and in excess of 4 rebounds and 2 assists. While the Knicks will almost have to double their salary for Anunoby, they have no other option apart from letting one of their backup centers go. Considering Hartenstein’s rise to form, the Big Apple side will most likely let go of Mitchell Robinson. Nevertheless, the team looked lethal despite its shorthanded attack. After the return of Julius Randle, Jalen Brunson will have more options to make his case for a Championship run. Will the Knicks win the title next year? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.

Before you go, do not forget to check out Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, to open up about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud. Keep checking this space for more such updates.