The New York Knicks closed out their 2025 Summer League run with a tight 91-88 loss to the Indiana Pacers. But the real focus is on their main roster and the moves they’ve made this offseason. After moving on from Tom Thibodeau, the Knicks brought in Mike Brown, an experienced coach with NBA Finals credentials, to lead a team that’s looking to make a real push in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
They’ve added Jordan Clarkson to boost backcourt scoring and signed Guerschon Yabusele to strengthen the bench, all while keeping most of their core pieces intact. With just one roster spot left and limited cap flexibility, the Knicks are expected to target a veteran backup guard. They’ve been linked to players like Ben Simmons as they look to round out the rotation behind Jalen Brunson, Deuce McBride, Josh Hart, and Clarkson.
Mitchell Robinson: Still Valuable, but on the Clock
Mitchell Robinson’s future with the Knicks is up in the air. He’s heading into the final year of his deal, set to make $12.9 million in 2025-26. He returned from ankle surgery last season and made an impact in the playoffs, especially as a rim protector and rebounder, but questions about his durability and limited offensive game still linger.
He put up 5.1 points, 5.9 boards, and 1.1 blocks per game during the regular season while shooting 66.1% from the field. But his free-throw shooting nosedived in the postseason, where he hit just 39.3% of shots from the stripe. Still, league insiders see his contract as a steal, which gives the Knicks a decision to make: extend him, trade him, or risk losing him for nothing in free agency.
Mitchell Robinson to the Lakers: Proposed Trade Idea
Lakers Receive: Mitchell Robinson
Knicks Receive: Jarred Vanderbilt, 2026 first-round pick
The Knicks would gain a versatile perimeter defender in Vanderbilt and another draft pick to work with. For the Lakers, this deal helps address a clear weakness in their frontcourt.
Why the Lakers Should Make the Deal
The Lakers traded Anthony Davis in the Luka Dončić deal and now find themselves without a true interior presence. Their early playoff exit made it clear they lacked rim protection, especially when small-ball lineups left them vulnerable. Mitchell Robinson can fix that.
At 27, Robinson gives the Lakers exactly what they need: shot-blocking, rebounding, and vertical spacing. He’s a lob threat who fits well in pick-and-rolls with either Luka or LeBron. He’s averaged 8.o points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks across his career, and with his $13 million expiring deal, he won’t restrict their cap flexibility. His history with ankle issues is a concern, no doubt. But the potential reward outweighs the risk. The Lakers need a dependable big who can protect the rim and dominate the glass, and Robinson fits that role perfectly.
Robinson’s Fit in LA
The Lakers won’t count on Robinson to carry any offensive load. His job will be to simply set solid screens, catch lobs, and finish at the rim. That suits him perfectly. He’s never been a go-to scorer (even his best year only brought 9.7 points a night), and the Lakers don’t need him to be one. They need him to protect the paint, clean the glass, and make the most of easy chances inside. Alongside Luka, who has a knack for getting the most out of bigs, Robinson could thrive. He’ll hang out in the post, dive hard after picks, and let Luka and LeBron break down the defense.
What the Knicks Gain in Return
The Knicks receive Jarred Vanderbilt in the deal, an athletic, versatile forward who can guard multiple positions. He’s dealt with injuries and doesn’t bring much on offense, but his energy on defense and ability to cover wings give New York more options on the perimeter. The bigger asset, though, is the 2026 first-round pick. It gives the Knicks extra leverage for future trades or draft-day moves, all key for a team looking to build around Brunson, Towns, and Randle.
Final Call
This deal makes sense for both sides. The Knicks are managing their assets here. With Karl-Anthony Towns locked into the starting five, Mitchell Robinson’s role shrinks. His contract’s expiring soon, so instead of watching him walk for nothing, they flip him for a strong defender and a future pick.
The Lakers, on the other hand, get exactly what they need. Robinson gives them rim protection, athleticism, and a team-friendly deal, all without blowing up their core. It’s a smart, targeted fix. If Robinson stays healthy, the Knicks come away with long-term value, and the Lakers might quietly solve their biggest weakness.
