Why the Knicks chose to let Mitchell Robinson leave in free agency

Why the Knicks chose to let Mitchell Robinson leave in free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

>Knicks' center Mitchell Robinson has ended a near decade-long stint with the Knicks after signing with the Celtics in free agency.

>Robinson got a nice payday, but there was still a scenario in which the Knicks could have brought the fan favorite back.

Why the Knicks chose to let Mitchell Robinson leave in free agencyKnicks reporter Ian Begley reported, "The Knicks could have, in theory, signed Mitchell Robinson to the deal that the Celtics signed him to if they were willing to go above the second apron. They chose not to."

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>Even though there was a route for Robinson to come back, it would have made things difficult for the Knicks.

>The Knicks' ownership and front office have had some differences in relation to how they approach the aprons, and it appears they're going to try to stay under the second apron.

>Robinson was a valuable and beloved player during the Knicks' title run, but ultimately, it appears the Knicks chose to sign other players and will eventually replace Robinson with a cheaper center available to fill their backup center spot.

>In the 2025-26 NBA season, Robinson played 60 games, averaging 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.

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