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Mitchell Robinson of Knicks

The New York Knicks are quietly staring down one of their most complicated offseasons in recent memory.

With two key players heading toward free agency and a cap sheet already stretched thin, the front office may be engineering a behind-the-scenes strategy that could determine whether Mitchell Robinson stays a Knick, and it all reportedly starts with a benched rookie named Mohamed Diawara.

Windhorst Drops a Bombshell Theory About the Knicks

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst recently shared a theory with SNY’s Ian Begley that has reportedly gained traction in league circles, focusing on why the Knicks have quietly reduced Diawara’s role heading into the playoffs.

“There’s been some chatter within the league, in the last few weeks, about why they’ve stopped playing Mohamed Diawara, who they did a great job drafting. … I am not saying this, I am saying some people in the league have wondered about whether the Knicks are trying to hide Diawara a little bit, because he’s going to be restricted,” Windhorst explained.

He then raised a broader concern about New York’s financial situation, suggesting that even holding restricted rights may not be enough.

“The Knicks have certain rights to him, but because of what they’re paying elsewhere, you know, it may be a difficult thing to keep him. Just putting it out there that that speculation existed,” Windhorst said, before flagging Mitchell Robinson as another player who may not fit the Knicks’ cap picture going forward.

Why Diawara’s Benching Could Be Intentional

Mohamed Diawara #51 of the New York Knicks

Diawara​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ ended up becoming one of the most unexpected success stories in the NBA 2025-26 regular season.

Selected 51st overall, the rookie forward was one of the first to show signs that he was ready for the big league. Actually, he was performing in a way that his instincts and athleticism attracted not only fans but also front offices throughout the league. And that is the problem exactly: that level of attention.

When Diawara becomes a restricted free agent, other teams will attempt to come up with offer sheets that are attractive enough to convince the player to leave New York. The more clips they have of him, the more confident they’ll be in bidding big. By supposedly limiting his minutes in the final stretch, the Knicks may be intentionally reducing that film library – making rival scouts keep guessing and resulting in conservative bids. It’s a speculative theory but one that insiders apparently do not ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌reject.

How This Could Keep Robinson in the New York Knicks

GettyMitchell Robinson, Knicks

If the Diawara plan works and rival teams lowball him this summer, the Knicks could match that offer cheaply and retain their promising rookie without breaking the bank. That financial breathing room could prove crucial when it comes time to negotiate with Robinson.

Robinson is currently under contract for four years and $60 million, which expires this summer. There’s been quite a buzz around the league that other teams might come courting with attractive offers.

The Knicks simply cannot afford to go big on two players simultaneously under their current cap constraints, but a discounted Diawara retention could open the door to keeping Robinson as well.