Mitchell Robinson’s seven-year stint with the New York Knicks is coming to an end as he joins the Boston Celtics on a three-year, $47.4 million deal.
The 7-foot-0 center established himself as a popular figure among Knicks fans and helped the franchise win its first NBA championship in 53 years last season.
NBA World Reacts as Mitchell Robinson Leaves the Knicks for the Celtics
Robinson leaving the Knicks this summer appeared to be a foregone conclusion amid their unwillingness to exceed the second salary-cap apron. After becoming an unrestricted free agent, the 28-year-old has found a new home with the Celtics.
NBA insider Shams Charania broke the news of Robinson agreeing to join the Celtics on a three-year contract.
“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,” he wrote on X.
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. pic.twitter.com/tl3R6nlU1m
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2026
NFL insider Adam Schefter claimed that the deal was a blow for the Knicks.
“A Knicks’ loss,” he wrote.
A Knicks’ loss: https://t.co/M0haYz7yWg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 1, 2026
A Knicks fan account called the news of the franchise losing Robinson to the Celtics “devastating.”
“Undeniably devastating. Wow,” they wrote.
Undeniably devastating.
— KnicksMuse (@KnicksMuse) July 1, 2026
Several Knicks fans expressed disappointment that the Knicks did not bring back Robinson.
“Mitchell Robinson to the Celtics just broke my [expletive] heart man,” one Knicks fan account wrote.
Mitchell Robinson to the Celtics just broke my fuckin heart man.
— Big Knick Energy (@BigKnickEnergy_) July 1, 2026
“MY DAY IS RUINED,” wrote another Knicks supporter.
NBA analyst Yossi Gozlan explained the specifics of the deal that takes Robinson to the Celtics.
“Mitchell Robinson will go into the Celtics mid-level exception. They are now hard capped to the first apron. It can’t be structured as a sign and trade since he received an option in the third year,” he wrote.
Mitchell Robinson will go into the Celtics mid-level exception.
They are now hard capped to the first apron.
It can’t be structured as a sign and trade since he received an option in the third year. https://t.co/DniG2EvAhO
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) July 1, 2026
Knicks reporter Ian Begley explained how the franchise had no chance of bringing Robinson back this season, and now faces the task of replacing him.
“Robinson’s contract – 3-year, $47 million per ESPN – was well, well above anything the Knicks could have offered him while also staying under the 2nd apron. Knicks owner James Dolan said in WFAN interview he didn’t want to exceed second apron in team salary this season. Now Knicks will need to replace Robinson,” he wrote.
Mitchell Robinson leaving the Knicks to go to Boston, source confirms. Robinson’s contract – 3-year, $47 million per ESPN – was well, well above anything the Knicks could have offered him while also staying under the 2nd apron. Knicks owner James Dolan said in WFAN interview he…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) July 1, 2026
Robinson, who was drafted by the Knicks in 2018, played in the NBA Finals despite suffering a broken right pinkie finger and undergoing surgery. He averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 0.9 steals per game last season, providing the Knicks with crucial backup minutes to Karl-Anthony Towns.
