For the past eight seasons Mitchell Robinson has stuck with the New York Knicks through thick and thin, culminating in the team's first NBA title in half a century. But as the team's long-anticipated breakup begins, Robinson is now the first major player to depart.
On Wednesday, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Robinson is leaving the Knicks as a free agent and signing a deal with the Boston Celtics. Per the report, it's a three-year deal worth $47.4 million.
"Free agent center Mitchell Robinson has agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal to sign with the Boston Celtics, with a player option in third season, sources tell ESPN. Robinson departs the Knicks after serving a key role on the historic championship team," Charania wrote.
Farewell to a Key Player
Robinson played a key supporting role during the Knicks' playoff run. Despite breaking a finger before the NBA Finals, he averaged 5.6 rebounds per game while spending a large portion of his time on the court guarding San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama. In Game 5, he secured a vital offensive rebound that helped seal the NBA title for the Knicks.
While fans may resent Robinson for moving to the Knicks' most hated rival, many are wishing him well and thanking him for his contributions:
"Very few signings actually make you sick," one fan admitted.
"Mitchell Robinson will forever be a New York legend," wrote another.
"To lose Mitchell Robinson is pain. To lose him to the Celtics is MAXIMUM PAIN," a third wrote.
"TYFYS Mitch! You WILL be fouled on purpose though," another joked.
"Celtics just got an absolute steal. Adding Robinson’s rim protection and rebounding to that frontcourt is scary for the rest of the league. Huge pickup."
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Unlike Jalen Brunson, Robinson wasn't open to taking a significant paycut to stay with the team that drafted him. He now moves on to the Celtics where he'll get to continue pursuing more NBA titles while he's still in his prime.
As for the Knicks, they still have their starting lineup under contract for the next two seasons, but they now need to find a suitable backup center to relieve Karl-Anthony Towns. And those don't exactly grow on trees.
