The Boston Celtics weren't able to land veteran center Nikola Vucevic, but they didn't spend much time searching for another answer in the frontcourt. As NBA free agency continued to reshape rosters around the league on Wednesday, Boston quickly pivoted to one of the top defensive big men available.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Celtics have agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million contract with former New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who is coming off a championship-winning season in New York. The deal reportedly includes a player option for the third year and gives Boston a proven rim protector, elite rebounder and experienced veteran as the franchise looks to remain among the Eastern Conference's top contenders heading into the 2026-27 season.
Celtics Pivot Quickly to Mitchell Robinson
Free agency often comes down to having a backup plan, and Boston appears to have executed one almost immediately. Charania's report was shared Wednesday morning, with NBA fans reacting quickly to the news that Robinson was leaving New York for one of its biggest rivals.
Robinson spent the first seven seasons of his NBA career with the Knicks after being selected with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. Although injuries limited his availability at times, he remained one of the league's most impactful interior defenders whenever healthy. The 7-foot center averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks while shooting 72.3% from the field during the 2025-26 regular season.
He also played an important role during New York's championship run, averaging 5.5 rebounds in 18 postseason games while providing physical defense, elite offensive rebounding and rim protection off the bench.
Why Robinson Fits What Boston Needed
Boston has built its identity around versatile defense, and Robinson should strengthen that philosophy immediately. While he isn't asked to create offense, Robinson excels at doing the little things that winning teams value. He's one of the NBA's best offensive rebounders, finishes efficiently around the rim and consistently protects the paint without needing plays called for him.
Those strengths could make him an ideal complement to Boston's existing core, particularly after the Celtics missed on Vucevic and needed another reliable frontcourt option. At 28 years old, Robinson also fits both the team's present championship aspirations and its longer-term outlook.
Knicks Lose Another Key Piece After Title
The signing is also significant for New York. After helping deliver the franchise's first NBA title in more than five decades, Robinson now heads to a division rival. Earlier offseason reports suggested the Knicks might have difficulty retaining him while navigating the NBA's salary cap and avoiding the second tax apron.
That prediction ultimately proved accurate. Now, Boston adds one of the league's premier defensive centers while New York faces the challenge of replacing an important contributor from its championship rotation.
With free agency only just beginning, Robinson's move could end up being one of the Eastern Conference's most impactful transactions.
