Championship hangover be gone, New York Knicks; the NBA offseason waits for no one.
Not only has the draft come and gone, but the free agency market opens in one week, June 30. And already, signs of pessimism are flooding the airwaves regarding the Knicks’ ability to retain key free agents.
Perhaps it’s for good reason. Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet are both unrestricted free agents, and the NBA market is always willing to pay for championship contributors.
The former is the Knicks’ longest-tenured player and also the most likely to find a new home. Sources tell Knicks X-Factor that the Los Angeles Lakers loom large in Robinson’s fast-approaching free agency.
“It’s the Lakers,” one source said when asked about Robinson’s market. “They’re going to offer more than Dolan is willing to pay, and the starting job.”
Luka Doncic’s affinity for rim-running, lob threat bigs is a secret to none. That’s who Robinson is on the offensive end, and an otherworldly defender when healthy.
Los Angeles is prepared to offer the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception for the ninth-year big man, a separate source confirmed, roughly $15 million annually.
Based on that figure, the Lakers could offer a maximum, four-year, $64-million deal.
James Dolan himself has said that New York will not go into the NBA’s infamous second apron ahead of next season. Robinson figures to become the first casualty of that decision.
The good news? There’s no ink on paper yet. Free agency is still days away. And multiple draft night trades prove Leon Rose and the front office are working hard to open up room for free agents.
Robinson appeared in 60 games for the Knicks last season, averaging 4.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in 13.9 minutes.
This story will be updated.
