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Knicks Fans React After Mitchell Robinson Is Hit With Flagrant 1 on Wembanyama
After winning the NBA title, fans of the New York Knicks would probably like to see their roster remain as in tact as possible. However, the reality in the NBA is that the Knicks are probably going to have to part with some guys who contributed to their epic playoff run over the offseason.
One player that the Knicks might have to worry about losing is veteran center Mitchell Robinson, who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Daniel Gafford Named Top Trade Target for New York Knicks
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 05: Daniel Gafford #21 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to a turnover during the second half app at American Airlines Center on November 05, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
The Knicks want to retain Robinson, but if they’re unable to do so, they’ll have to pivot.
In a recent article for Bleacher Report, Zach Buckley named Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford as a potential trade target for the Knicks if Robinson does land elsewhere in free agency. While not the same player, Gafford has a similar skillset to Robinson and thus he could do many of the same things for the Knicks.
“The Knicks will likely give some attention to the center spot this summer. Unrestricted free agency awaits Mitchell Robinson, and Karl-Anthony Towns previously popped up in trade talks. If Robinson winds up walking, New York will need someone to assume his rim-running role. Gafford has long thrived in that exact role,” Buckley wrote.
“He’s a tireless worker on the interior. He rebounds. He challenges shots. He sets solid screens. And he’s smart enough to recognize his offensive limitations, so he’ll sprint into the scoring chances others create for him, either diving to the rim off pick-and-rolls or even motoring ahead in transition. … He isn’t quite as freakish in his size-plus-hops blend as Robinson, but the impact could feel pretty similar.”
This story will be updated.
Michael Kaskey-Blomain Michael Kaskey-Blomain is an experienced sports media member covering the NBA and NFL for Heavy. He has been in the industry for well over a decade with previous stops including the Philadelphia Inquirer and CBS Sports. Michael also serves as a Philadelphia 76ers reporter and insider for ESPN 97.3 and an NBA and NFL contributor for The Sporting News. More about Michael Kaskey-Blomain