Jalen Brunson isn’t interested in pretending Mitchell Robinson suddenly became a stranger just because the big man is now wearing Celtics green.
Robinson’s move from New York to Boston this offseason has already stirred up the usual Knicks-Celtics heat, but Brunson drew a clear line when he spoke with Stefan Bondy of the New York Post. He said he’s happy for his former teammate’s next chance, even if that chance came with one of New York’s biggest rivals.
“Obviously, playing for a rival, and I know people want every team to hate each other. “But there are some people you really care for, and that’s my guy.
I’m happy for him. And now, whenever we play him, four times a year, he’s not my friend that day.”
That’s the reality of this situation: real affection off the floor, no mercy on it.
Robinson signed a three-year, $47.4 million deal with Boston after spending years alongside Brunson in New York. He was never a volume scorer, but his value was obvious in the areas that matter most in a playoff run. He brought rebounding, rim protection and a physical presence that gave the Knicks a legitimate edge in the frontcourt.
Last season, Robinson averaged 1.2 blocks per game while playing just under 20 minutes a night. He also remained a dangerous lob target and one of the league’s most disruptive offensive rebounders, traits Boston now hopes to use in its own rotation.
Robinson’s exit felt especially complicated because he had said he did not want to leave the Knicks. On social media, he responded to OG Anunoby with a message that made his feelings plain:
“I tried, brother. I didn’t want this to happen.
Hopefully, the truth comes out at some point. I’m gonna miss you, big dawg!
Keep being great.”
The Knicks’ financial situation appears to have played a major role in the outcome. After winning the 2026 NBA title, the roster was already expensive, and the team reportedly wanted to stay away from the second tax apron. That left Robinson as one of the pieces New York could not realistically keep, even with how important he had been.
The reaction from former teammates has already shown how quickly this turned into a rivalry story. Josh Hart joked to Robinson after the Celtics agreement became official, saying, “Bag well deserved. You an op now though,” and Robinson later fired back at Hart on social media.
Boston is planning to use Robinson as part of its center group, potentially behind Neemias Queta, which gives the Celtics another strong rebounder and rim protector in the mix.
The Knicks and Celtics will meet four times in the regular season, and another playoff series is still on the table. Brunson’s stance is simple: Robinson is still his guy away from the game. But once Boston is across the floor, that friendship gets put on pause.
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