Robinson later addressed his move in a public exchange with former teammate OG Anunoby. In response to a comment on Anunoby’s post, Robinson wrote that he had tried to stay with the Knicks and did not want the move to happen, hoping the full story would emerge someday. He added, “I’m gonna miss you, big dawg! Keep being great.”
The departure appears connected to salary-cap realities facing the Knicks. After winning the 2026 NBA Finals, Knicks owner James Dolan signaled that the team would not surpass the second tax apron of $221 million in the upcoming season. While this is a prudent financial move, it placed pressure on the roster, which included several players entering free agency on modest salaries seeking new contracts.
Robinson was among the notable free agents, with teammates such as Jose Alvarado and Landry Shamet also entering the market. However, Alvarado and Shamet ultimately re-signed with the Knicks on new multi-year deals, making Robinson the notable exception in the group.
In this context, Robinson’s situation stood out. As the Knicks’ primary center option behind Karl-Anthony Towns during the playoffs, depth at the position was a concern. With the team already carrying a payroll above the first apron—around $210.8 million for the 2026-27 season—and needs to fill multiple roster slots, retaining Robinson proved challenging.
With Robinson’s exit, the Knicks must pursue a reliable center, preferably at or near a minimum salary. Several options have been discussed, including Kevon Looney, who has emerged as a potential target to reinforce the frontcourt and provide the defensive presence the team valued.
The Knicks now face the task of rebuilding the frontcourt while managing cap constraints. The search for a suitable center will shape the team’s offseason strategy as they balance financial limits with the goal of remaining competitive in the wake of Robinson’s departure.
