Knicks Eye Three More Centers as Mitchell Robinson Exit Looms
The New York Knicks are reportedly monitoring Goga Bitadze, Yves Missi and Nick Richards as potential frontcourt options if Mitchell Robinson leaves in free agency.
The New York Knicks know their offseason could change dramatically depending on Mitchell Robinson’s free-agency decision. While retaining the veteran center remains the organization’s preferred outcome, the front office appears to be preparing for every possible scenario.
With salary cap limitations preventing New York from aggressively pursuing expensive free agents, the Knicks have turned their attention toward attainable trade and value-market options who could help preserve one of the NBA’s strongest frontcourts.
Several names have emerged as realistic possibilities, each offering a different combination of experience, upside and financial flexibility.
The objective is not necessarily to replace Robinson with an identical player—a nearly impossible task—but rather to find a center capable of complementing Karl-Anthony Towns while maintaining the defensive identity that carried the Knicks to an NBA championship.
Bitadze, Missi and Richards each bring a different solution
Among the players reportedly on New York’s radar, Goga Bitadze may represent the most accessible option.
The Orlando Magic big man played an important rotational role throughout much of the regular season, providing interior size, rebounding and physicality. Although his minutes declined during Orlando’s postseason run, Bitadze remains a dependable frontcourt presence with valuable playoff experience. Entering the final season of his current contract, he could become available if the Magic decide to reshape their roster.
A much more ambitious target would be Yves Missi.
The young center has quickly established himself as one of the league’s most intriguing defensive prospects thanks to his athleticism, shot-blocking ability and mobility around the basket. Those same traits have attracted interest from multiple organizations, making any potential trade significantly more challenging.
Reports suggest that New Orleans has already resisted inquiries regarding Missi, signaling that the Pelicans continue to view him as an important part of their long-term plans. Unless that position changes, convincing the franchise to move one of its most promising young players would likely require a substantial offer.
Nick Richards presents an entirely different profile.
After finishing last season with the Chicago Bulls, Richards enters free agency following an impressive stretch in which he produced efficiently around the basket while providing reliable rebounding and rim protection. His ability to contribute immediately without requiring a featured offensive role makes him an attractive fit for teams looking to strengthen their second unit.
For the Knicks, each candidate offers distinct advantages.
Bitadze provides experience and affordability. Missi represents the highest long-term upside but also the greatest acquisition challenge. Richards offers proven production and could become available without the complexity of negotiating a major trade package.
Ultimately, New York’s direction will depend on Robinson’s future.
If the veteran center returns, the Knicks may only need to make minor adjustments to an already championship-caliber roster. If he departs, however, identifying the right replacement will become one of the front office’s defining priorities.
Fortunately for the defending champions, they appear to have multiple contingency plans already taking shape—an encouraging sign that the organization intends to remain among the NBA’s elite regardless of how free agency unfolds.
