Recent reporting indicates that the Knicks are keeping a close eye on center replacements should Robinson depart. Four names have emerged as plausible targets in trade discussions: Moussa Diabaté of the Charlotte Hornets, Goga Bitadze of the Orlando Magic, Yves Missi of the New Orleans Pelicans, and veteran free agent Nick Richards. This quartet represents a mix of young upside and affordable contracts, fitting a drafthandled, budget-conscious approach that the Knicks have emphasized in recent seasons.
The context for these considerations is twofold. First, New York has privately explored the center market before the NBA Draft, signaling that the organization is actively weighing multiple offseason scenarios rather than simply hoping Robinson returns. Second, financial constraints surrounding the league’s salary rules have guided the Knicks toward targeted acquisitions that won’t push them into the league’s punitive second apron, a threshold that could limit spending on free agents.
Among the names surfaced, Moussa Diabaté stands out as a particularly intriguing option. The 23-year-old forward-center hybrid has shown promise with a solid blend of scoring, rebounding, and floor presence. Last season, Diabaté averaged a respectable 7.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game across 73 appearances, while shooting efficiently from the floor and showing capability from beyond the arc. He’s on a team-friendly contract—three years totaling roughly $5.7 million—making him an affordable trade target for a team seeking youth and potential without long-term financial commitments. His fit would hinge on whether he can translate his production into a larger workload on a team competing for championships.
Goga Bitadze has also been identified as a potential fit, largely due to his size and defensive instincts. In the 2025-26 season, Bitadze contributed 5.9 points and 5.0 rebounds per game in 64 appearances, serving largely as a reserve behind other frontcourt options. His contract situation adds another layer of consideration: he’s due to earn approximately $7.6 million in the upcoming season, the final year of a three-year, $25 million deal. That price point could be palatable for a team looking to upgrade its interior defense and rim protection, particularly if Orlando looks to reshape its frontcourt via additional moves.
Yves Missi is another player on the Knicks’ radar, though his acquisition would likely prove more challenging. Missi has drawn interest for his rim protection, mobility, and long-term upside, profiles that appeal to teams seeking versatile bigs who can guard multiple positions. However, Missi’s appeal has also attracted interest from other front offices, and New Orleans reportedly rebuffed some inquiries, illustrating how difficult a target he could be in a trade scenario.
Nick Richards, a four-year veteran who recently completed a stint with the Chicago Bulls, is set to become an unrestricted free agent. He showed flashes of productivity after a midseason trade, averaging 9.3 points and 7.6 rebounds in 20 games while posting a solid field-goal percentage. His youth and energy could attract interest from teams looking to add depth behind established starters, though the Knicks would face competition in pursuing him as a free agent, given other teams’ needs at the center position.
The decision surrounding Mitchell Robinson will significantly shape the Knicks’ offseason approach. Robinson has played a critical role in the team’s recent championship run, and New York has consistently expressed a desire to retain him. Yet, the financial realities of the current collective bargaining framework complicate those intentions. There is a strong emphasis on avoiding the league’s second apron, which constrains how much the team can allocate to outside free agents. That constraint makes a trade-driven route to replace Robinson more likely, at least in the short term, should he move on as a free agent.
If Robinson remains with the Knicks, the club would continue to build around him, leveraging his interior presence as part of a broader core that includes dynamic wings and a versatile backcourt. If he departs, the Knicks would need to accelerate plans to plug the gap, with Diabaté, Bitadze, Missi, or Richards representing potential starting-caliber additions or high-upside depth pieces. Regardless of Robinson’s fate, New York appears to be assembling a shortlist of viable replacements, signaling a proactive and multi-pronged approach to fortifying the frontcourt.
In evaluating any potential move, the Knicks will weigh not only immediate on-court impact but also long-term fit and cost. The goal is to maintain competitiveness while staying mindful of salary-cap realities and roster construction principles. As the offseason unfolds, fans and analysts alike can expect continued reporting on how New York navigates the delicate balance between preserving championship-caliber depth and adhering to financial guidelines.
In sum, the Knicks are preparing for multiple possible outcomes regarding Mitchell Robinson’s future. Their strategy includes quietly exploring trade and free-agent options that align with the team’s cap structure and long-term plans. Whether Robinson returns or exits, the organization has already identified a group of centers to monitor as they work to defend their title and sharpen their roster for the seasons ahead.
