PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MAY 02: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter of game six of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on May 02, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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Now that the Knicks have won the franchise’s first NBA championship in 53 years, they face an immediate offseason priority.
Mitchell Robinson just completed a four-year, $60 million contract and is an unrestricted free agent. The longest-tenured Knick is preparing to hit the open market where he is expected to draw significant interest.
“Mitchell Robinson is an unrestricted free agent in two weeks here and the Knicks are definitely going to want to try to keep him,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said Monday on “SportsCenter.”
“They are about $8 million under the luxury tax line. They know they’re going over the luxury tax. They intend to make Mitchell an offer that will keep him with them. He might have some outside interest but they’re going to make him a priority.”
The 7-footer underwent surgery on his broken right pinky in late May and had some key moments during the title run, including 10 rebounds in 20 minutes in the decisive Game 5 win Saturday night. He averaged 5.7 points and 8.8 rebounds this season.
Robinson and his teammates will participate in the parade through the Canyon of Heroes on Thursday. He plans to have his signature monster truck in the parade.
The Knicks also have contract issues with Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart looming.
WASHINGTON, DC – DECEMBER 30: Josh Hart #3 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks smile near the bench in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 30, 2024 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
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Towns is owed $118 million over two years, but it’s one guaranteed year and a player option, and Hart is owed $43.2 million over two years.
“Towns is in position to get a contract extension,” Windhorst said. “In this situation in past years, the Knicks have extended guys like Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson. And KAT’s max number is almost $70 million a year, four years and $272 million. Can they get him to take a haircut off that, like the way they got Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges to take less. That could be a factor.
“Josh Hart only has one guaranteed year. He’s [also] in a contract extension situation.”