Mitchell Robinson’s days with the New York Knicks could be numbered, according to Knicks insider Stefan Bondy’s Thursday report. Bondy tweeted that team owner James Dolan’s unwillingness to “pay into the second apron” will prevent the franchise from “running it back” with its bench unit from its 2026 NBA championship squad.
On top of the Knicks’ limited salary cap space, other suitors could reportedly be angling to offer the 7-foot bruiser a starter-level contract. Robinson’s “unlikely” return to New York sparked strong reactions from the NBA community.
NBA Community Reacts As Mitchell Robinson’s Knicks Future Is Cast Into Serious Doubt
Robinson’s four-year, $60 million deal, which he signed in July 2022, expired after the Knicks hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy early this month. With Dolan refusing to move into the punitive second apron, bringing him back on a similar deal is essentially impossible.
The Knicks also have extensions to plan for, specifically those of Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart, starters who played monumental roles in the team’s historic title run. New York is reportedly also considering bringing back unrestricted free agent guards Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson.
With those priorities in play, Robinson’s eight-year stay in the Big Apple could soon come to an end, with the possibility triggering passionate reactions from the NBA community on X.
“No Knicks repeat without Mitchell Robinson,” LeBron James’ friend, Cuffs The Legend, tweeted.
No Knicks Repeat without Mitchell Robinson https://t.co/iIhyKBYeYV
— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) June 26, 2026
“Seems like a very poor decision by the Knicks. There is absolutely zero reason for them not to go into the second apron. They just won a championship, have no reason to be concerned by any of the apron penalties, and Dolan can certainly afford to pay the tax,” ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel wrote.
Seems like a very poor decision by the Knicks.
There is absolutely zero reason for them not to go into the second apron.
They just won a championship, have no reasons to be concerned by any of the apron penalties, and Dolan can certainly afford to pay the tax. https://t.co/El6dPmDpVS
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) June 26, 2026
New York sports supporter Marshall Green added, “It’s settling in that Mitchell Robinson is likely gone, and it’s sad.”
It’s setting in that Mitchell Robinson is likely gone and it’s sad
— Marshall Green (@MarshallGreen_) June 26, 2026
“Knicks fans know that Mitchell Robinson was the heart and soul of that Knicks team. If he goes elsewhere, he will be missed,” ESPN’s Sam Block reacted.
NBA fans think Mitchell Robinson was just a decent role player for the Knicks.
Knicks fans know that Mitchell Robinson was the heart and soul of that Knicks team.
If he goes elsewhere, he will be greatly missed.
— Sam Block (@theblockspot) June 26, 2026
However, sportswriter and podcaster Jake Brown offered a contrarian take.
“This is the right move. Mitch had a nice run with Knicks. Got their ring. Time to move on. They can find another big man on the low that can help them offensively,” Brown contended.
This is the right move. Mitch had a nice run with Knicks. Got their ring. Time to move on. They can find another big man on the low that can help them offensively. https://t.co/pr47sQiywq
— Jake Brown (@JakeBrownLive) June 26, 2026
Bondy’s report indicates that Robinson’s only avenue to stay in New York would be to accept a discount. NBA salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan broke down how the Knicks could keep the big man.
“Let’s say Jose Alvarado opts in, they sign their two second-round picks to rookie minimums, and find a taker for Pacôme Dadiet. The Knicks would be able to offer Mitchell Robinson roughly a $9 million starting salary while staying under the second apron. It could translate to 3/$29M or 4/$40M,” Gozlan speculated.
Let’s say Jose Alvarado opts in, they sign their two second-round picks to rookie minimums, and find a taker for Pacome Dadiet.
The Knicks would be able to offer Mitchell Robinson roughly a $9 million starting salary while staying under the second apron.
It could translate to… https://t.co/pWq1GEMT12 pic.twitter.com/vOmm4t6Cox
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) June 26, 2026
The problem with the Knicks’ potential plan to ask Robinson to accept a discount is another team’s likely willingness to pay him more. According to Gozlan, “most teams can offer him up to the $15 million mid-level exception.”
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The Knicks are understandably hesitant to go into the second apron to accommodate Robinson, given his injury history. Before playing 60 games this past season, he combined for 48 during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 campaigns.
Robinson averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game during the 2025-26 season. The Knicks will likely have to look for a cheaper alternative who can replicate those numbers, patrol the paint, protect the rim, and provide energy in their bid to defend their title.
