The New York Knicks have removed one potential outcome for Mitchell Robinson’s future by deciding not to trade him before free agency. However, with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s recent remarks about his own future, it appears increasingly unlikely that the Knicks will offer Robinson a contract extension. These developments shape the team’s plans as they head into a critical offseason.
Giannis Confirms Commitment to Bucks but Leaves Door Open
Giannis Antetokounmpo recently spoke with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, addressing his commitment to the Milwaukee Bucks while also hinting at his ongoing pursuit of championships. He stated,
“As of today, I’m committed to the Milwaukee Bucks,”
and emphasized his loyalty to his teammates, coaching staff, and front office, including Coach Doc Rivers and GM Jon Horst.
Despite this declaration, Giannis also said,
“you will never hear me say I don’t want to be a Milwaukee Buck,”
reflecting a cautious stance that leaves room for future possibilities. He compared his 2021 NBA title to a “delicious steak” he wants to “eat again,” reaffirming that he remains motivated by winning but without closing off conversations about his long-term future.
This stance does not rule out offseason speculation, especially since the Bucks face challenges contending for another title without major roster changes. By reiterating his championship ambitions, Giannis maintains leverage with all teams linked to him, including the Knicks.
Financial Constraints Cloud Robinson’s Extension Prospects
The Knicks have the option to extend Mitchell Robinson’s contract up to the moment he becomes a free agent, which would secure his presence and potentially provide team-friendly terms. An early extension might also offer New York additional trade flexibility since a recently signed player can be traded six months into the new deal, allowing the Knicks to move Robinson before next season starts.
However, New York’s current salary situation complicates this approach. The team sits approximately $17.6 million below the NBA’s second salary cap apron for the upcoming season, but that figure only includes nine players. Adding Robinson as the tenth player, along with potential new contracts for key contributors like Landry Shamet and Mohamed Diawara or commitments to recent draft selections, pushes the Knicks perilously close to or beyond this financial threshold.
While the Knicks might consider entering the second apron if it means retaining or building a championship contender, doing so at the start of the offseason could limit their ability to pursue Giannis. Teams above the second apron face restrictions on the salaries they can include in trade packages, which would make assembling a competitive offer for Giannis far more difficult, especially with limited assets.
Robinson’s Status Will Influence Knicks’ Roster Maneuvers
The Knicks could theoretically begin the offseason above the second apron and subsequently move to below it after executing a trade involving Giannis. Nevertheless, the team faces stiff competition from other franchises with stronger trade packages, and insisting on reducing payroll to accommodate a Robinson extension risks complicating the Knicks’ efforts to acquire Giannis.
Moreover, while a Robinson extension might not eliminate the Knicks’ chances of signing Giannis, the front office may prefer to delay committing to Robinson. Giannis thrives when paired with a center who can space the floor, a skill set Robinson lacks. Leaving Robinson unsigned preserves the Knicks’ flexibility to pursue alternatives through minimum contracts or mid-level exceptions, enabling them to better tailor their roster around a potential Giannis acquisition.
Ultimately, the decision not to extend Robinson promptly should not be interpreted as a judgment on his talent or injury history. Instead, it reflects the team’s desire to keep the possibility of signing Giannis open as long as possible, avoiding restrictions that an early Robinson commitment might impose. This strategic patience highlights the importance the Knicks place on this upcoming offseason.
