New York Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson has yet to make his 2024-25 NBA season debut as he recovers from ankle surgery. Karl-Anthony Towns, an All-Star, has temporarily replaced him as the starting center, and the Knicks are now 26-15. According to NBA Insider Ian Begley, the organization anticipates Robinson’s return soon.
According to Begley, the Knicks could have their starting center in the lineup early in February. Robinson’s offensive rebounding has helped them become comfortable attempting shots, and he’s still an important piece to their title bid as he does the little things for New York.
“There is solid belief that he will be back and they will have him back on the floor,” Begley said. “I think early February. I do think that’s a real thing.
However, Begley hinted that the Knicks could move him in favor of a much healthier player in Jonas Valanciunas of the Washington Wizards. Begley said that if it takes Robinson too long to return, they could opt to trade him.
“Do you wait that long or do you move on and try to pick up somebody else? I do think Jonas Valanciunas will be somebody that’s on their radar if they do decide to move on from Mitchell Robinson and decide that they need somebody else.
“I do think, in a perfect world, Mitch comes back, he’s healthy, he shows you he can play and then they move forward there.”
The Knicks hold "solid belief" that Mitchell Robinson will return to the court around early February, says @IanBegley
Jonas Valanciunas is a name to keep an eye on if the Knicks elect to move on from Robinson
Ian, @JLEdwardsIII, and @SirDennyBlanco on The Putback with Ian… pic.twitter.com/iz6z9T2vIN
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) January 14, 2025
If it comes down to trading away Robinson, moving him before or on the Feb. 6 trade deadline is the ideal timeline. However, there could be a chance that the center recovers quickly and becomes available for the team.
Knicks exploring the trade market regarding center Jericho Sims
The Knicks are exploring the trade market for Jericho Sims, who has been removed from the rotation. Additionally, Sims is dealing with back spasms, which have kept him away from action. However, trading a player who’s out of rotation could be a tough task for New York.
According to a report from the New York Post, one offer for the young big man was a second-round pick. Sims has played 32 games this season, averaging 1.7 points and 3.6 rebounds on 63.2% shooting from the field. Given his performance, other teams are hesitant to execute a trade with the Knicks.
New York’s head coach, Tom Thibodeau, gave an update on Sims’ health. According to him, the former Slam Dunk Contest participant has yet to begin sprinting.
“That’s the next step,” the coach said. “He’s doing some light shooting right now.”
The New York Knicks are shopping Jericho Sims, per @SbondyNBA
“Jericho Sims, recently removed from New York’s rotation and inactive Monday with back spasms, is being shopped ahead of next month’s trade deadline, NBA sources who’ve been in contact with the team told The Post.”… pic.twitter.com/1vi3YnWV89
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 14, 2025
With the season getting harder, New York wants to make moves to address their need for a frontcourt contributor. Unfortunately for Sims, his time with the Knicks relies on Robinson’s return.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
