“KAT did not request this trade. He never has requested a move in nine years here”. NBA reporter Jon Krawczynski was among the many who did not waste time sending out a reaction. This was after one of the most dramatic events of this off-season took place. Karl-Anthony Towns’ trade to the New York Knicks was contemplated, but not expected to happen at such a late date. Towns was not the only victim of this trade agreement, though, as another well-known Knicks player would see his playing time reduced upon the arrival of the four-time NBA All-Star. Fortunately, there may be an alternate for him!

Earlier today, NBA reporter Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson presented a hypothetical scenario. According to this, Mitchell Robinson could end up at the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Gabe Vincent. The Knicks would also get a 2025 2nd-round pick and a filler-type athlete, like Jalen Hood-Schifino, to balance the scales. Even at the late stage, Robinson believes that the trade would work as each player possesses a quality that the other team needs.

One might wonder: Why do the Lakers need another center when Anthony Davis already holds the primary role? However, it’s well known that Davis will gladly switch positions if an opportunity arises. According to ESPN reporter Dave McMenamin, Davis prefers “to play alongside another big more often”. Beyond Davis’s personal preference, recent circumstances have heightened the need for his shift from the 5 position. Christian Wood’s left knee injury last season, followed by surgery, could keep him out of the lineup for a few more weeks.

As a result, AD has only two backup centers remaining to take his place: Jaxson Hayes and two-way player Colin Castleton. Given that he averaged 4.3 points, 3 rebounds, and 0.5 assists, Hayes cannot be handed the primary role yet.

Mitchell Robinson would certainly be placed on a higher pedestal than Jaxson Hayes when comparing both players. Along with possessing an additional year of experience, the Knicks Center has started in more games. This was reportedly due to the special preference of Tom Thibodeau, who started leading the Knicks from 2020 onwards. The head coach reportedly believes that Robinson’s exceptional shot-blocking and rebounding skills give him an edge. This could very well be converted in the Lakers’ favor. Furthermore, having traded Julius Randle, the Knicks would now need a prominent shooter to give some backup to Karl-Anthony Towns. Jalen Hood-Schifino could certainly be that person. After all, given that he appeared in only 21 games and started in none, the Lakers showed that they probably could take or leave the player.

With Karl-Anthony Towns’ inclusion, Mithcell Robinson knows that he won’t get many games to start in. However, if his recent social media updates are any indication, then joining another team may not be the player’s first preference.

“Risking my body to get the job done” – Mitchell Robinson prides himself as the ‘Longest Knick’

After Shams Charania broke the news of the Knicks-Timberwolves deal, reactions poured in from all sides. However, Mitchell Robinson’s response was unusual compared to most of them. The 26-year-old posted a photo of the 2020–21 Knicks roster to his official Instagram account. It highlights only the players currently on the team. Surprisingly, that was only one player: Robinson himself. Along with the proof of longevity amongst the selected stars, he also added a caption in the story that read, “I’m really a great vibe. Longest Knick. Risking my body to get the job done really paid off.”

This was a reference to how, despite dealing with injuries during the recent season, Robinson appeared in 31 games and started in 21 of them. He even averaged 5.6 points and 8.5 rebounds, shooting 57.5% from the field and 40.9% from the free throw line. In normal circumstances, the player’s post would appear to display self-love. However, it might also be his way of probably showing his loyalty to the franchise, which should result in him being preferred over Karl-Anthony Towns. With rumors of another blockbuster trade brewing for the Knicks, it may be time to say farewell to Robinson after his lengthy tenure with the team.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.