New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson’s name came up in trade talks between New York and the Portland Trail Blazers in regards to guard Jrue Holiday, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.
The Blazers ended up moving Holiday to the Boston Celtics in a deal that brought Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III and draft capital to Portland.
“Robinson’s name came up in the Knicks’ talks with Portland about a potential Jrue Holiday trade, per SNY sources,” Begley wrote. “Obviously, nothing came to fruition there, but any team talking to the Knicks about a significant deal will probably ask about Robinson. He’s young, productive and on a reasonable contract.”
Robinson is in the second season of a four-year, $60 million deal with the Knicks that he signed in the offseason ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
The former second-round pick doesn’t have a major offensive game, but he’s a terrific rebounder. Robinson showcased that in the first round of the playoffs last season, averaging 9.8 rebounds per game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
In Game 5 against Cleveland, Robinson had an impressive 18 rebounds, including 11 offensive boards.
The Knicks didn’t end up making a deal for Holiday, as they have a bunch of solid guard options among Jalen Brunson, Immanuel Quickley, Donte DiVincenzo and Quentin Grimes.
However, it appears that Robinson could be a coveted piece in the trade market since his deal is pretty reasonable. Last season, Robinson averaged 7.4 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game in 59 games (58 starts) for New York.
Portland seemed to be after a big man in return for Holiday, as Williams is another solid young big that can block shots. He should be a nice complement to Deandre Ayton in Portland.
The Knicks are hoping that Robinson can be a part of a core that makes a deep playoff run this season.
New York was the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference last season, and the team brought back most of the core from the 2022-23 season while also adding DiVincenzo.
After beating the Cavs in the first round of the playoffs, New York was knocked out in six games against the Miami Heat in the second round.
Robinson could become even more valuable in the trade market if he develops more of an offensive game. But for New York’s current roster, he is very solid in his role.
