The New York Knicks face a pressing challenge following the news that center Mitchell Robinson is expected to miss the early part of the regular season due to a stress fracture sustained during the playoffs. This situation raises significant concerns regarding the team’s depth at the center position.
Robinson’s injury history has long made him a question mark for the Knicks, and the loss of Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency exacerbates the team’s frontcourt dilemma. With Robinson sidelined, Julius Randle, Precious Achiuwa, and Jericho Sims are poised to step up, but there’s a consensus that the Knicks need additional help at center.
The front office recognizes that relying solely on Randle, Achiuwa, and Sims may not suffice. There’s an increasing belief that acquiring another starting-caliber player is essential to provide stability until Robinson returns to full health.
In light of this, a proposed trade involving Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart has been discussed. The suggested trade would send Mitchell Robinson, promising shooter Miles McBride, and a 2025 first-round pick to the Pistons in exchange for Stewart and two future second-round picks.
Isaiah Stewart, only 23 years old, has potential, but his recent performance raises red flags. Last season, he played just 46 games, averaging 10.9 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 48.7%. His inability to stay healthy in the last two seasons parallels Robinson’s situation, which complicates the appeal of such a trade.
Parting with Miles McBride, a valuable bench player with growth potential, could be shortsighted for the Knicks. McBride has proven to be a solid contributor and could be more beneficial if kept as an asset for future trades.
Stewart’s contract situation, which includes a four-year, $60 million extension with a $15 million cap hit until 2027-28, adds another layer of complexity. While Stewart is talented, his injury concerns make him less than ideal for the Knicks.
Instead, the Knicks might find a more appealing target in Jalen Duren, a younger player who excels in rebounding. However, acquiring Duren would likely require a more substantial trade package than the Knicks might be willing to part with.
Another potential solution could be pursuing a veteran center with an expiring contract, such as Clint Capela. Capela’s proven reliability and rebounding ability would serve as a strong short-term fix while the Knicks await Robinson’s recovery.
In summary, while acquiring Stewart presents an interesting option, the Knicks must tread carefully due to his injury history. A more strategic approach would involve seeking out a veteran center like Capela, who can provide immediate contributions and help stabilize the frontcourt during Robinson’s absence.
Ultimately, the Knicks need to ensure they find the right solution to navigate this challenging situation and maintain their competitiveness as the season unfolds.