Four teams went after Knicks center Mitchell Robinson on Thursday’s trade deadline, including the Bulls and the Pistons, according to an NBA source.
Ultimately, the Knicks pulled out, made no deals, and now risks losing his longest-serving player as an unrestricted free agent in July.
According to the source, two of the two teams who contacted the Knicks regarding Robinson got the impression that they would lose him if he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.
The source said that the relationship between Robinson and Knicks is not currently on solid ground.
Robinson was intrigued by the Bull, according to the source, as they were looking for another defensive position to align with Nikola Vucevic as they eyed a long playoff push.
The Knicks’ decision not to trade Robinson for the assets shows that they at least feel Robinson would accept a contract extension if offered. They could offer him a five-year, $55 million extension.
Injury-prone Robinson was not paid as a starter after signing a four-year, $5.8 million deal as a 2018 second-round pick.
If the Knicks Robinson lose to free agency without compensation, Knicks president Leon Rose will regret not pulling the trigger, especially if this season leads to a lottery berth.
Rose did not speak to the media after the trade deadline expired – leaving the silence for nearly five months.
Another NBA executive says Knicks strategist Brock Aller was in favor of trading Robinson because he is in charge of asset management. Meanwhile, Knicks coach Tom Tebodeau is believed to be a big fan of Robinson and may have won.
Aller called pistons and introduced a complex package. Knicks was interested in draft picks and also asked about rookie position Isaiah Stewart of Rochester. The pistons weren’t ready to deal with Stewart.
In Portland on Saturday, Robinson played one of his strangest matches. He made three mistakes early and ended up not scoring a rebound. He scored two points in 14 minutes before leaving with a sprained ankle in the third quarter.
Robinson strangely tweet After the heartbreaking loss when the Knicks blew up a 23-point lead: “I can’t speak for everyone but I have to hold myself accountable for playing at a high level every night. Tonight I was very comfortable and had no urgency. Old.”
At a morning shootout in Utah last Monday, Robinson was given several opportunities to say he wanted Nick to be for the long haul. Instead, the owner of the Seven Footer said that everything was in the hands of his agent. Thad Faucher of Wasserman Group is now representing Robinson – his fifth agent.
Pistons, Bulls, Mavs and his hometown Pelicans should all be getting attention this summer. A person close to Robinson said the Louisiana native would be interested in returning to Bayou State.
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