The New York Knicks have reshaped their rotation this season, moving away from their double-big starting lineup and shifting Mitchell Robinson into a backup role behind Karl-Anthony Towns. But with the trade deadline looming on February 5, New York isn’t stopping there. They’re reportedly in the market for even more frontcourt depth-specifically, a backup for their backup.
Yes, the Knicks are eyeing reinforcements behind Robinson, and given the circumstances, it’s not hard to see why.
While much of the recent buzz around the Knicks has centered on their search for a veteran guard to support Jalen Brunson, there’s growing momentum behind the idea that bolstering the frontcourt may be even more critical. And when you look at the state of the roster, that logic holds up.
Mitchell Robinson: Impactful, But Unreliable
Mitchell Robinson has been a fixture in New York for eight seasons, and when he’s on the floor, his presence is undeniable. He’s one of the league’s premier rim protectors and a relentless force on the glass. His ability to alter shots and clean up misses has long made him a fan favorite and a key piece of the Knicks’ identity.
But availability is the best ability-and that’s where Robinson has struggled.
Injuries have been a recurring theme throughout his career. He’s played more than 60 games in a season only three times, and fewer than 40 in four separate campaigns. That kind of inconsistency in health makes it tough for the Knicks to count on him as their sole insurance policy behind Towns.
And with the playoffs in sight, the margin for error is shrinking.
Limited Resources, Limited Options
The challenge for New York isn’t just identifying the right piece-it’s finding a way to acquire it. The Knicks aren’t exactly flush with trade assets or cap space, so any move will require some creativity.
One name that’s surfaced as a potential trade chip is Guerschon Yabusele. The forward has struggled to find his footing since joining the Knicks, and his trade value has taken a hit as a result. If New York hopes to flip him for a more reliable big, they may need to package him with additional assets or hope another team sees untapped potential.
If the trade route doesn’t pan out, the Knicks could pivot to the buyout market post-deadline. It’s not ideal, but it’s a path that’s yielded contributors for playoff teams in the past.
Why This Matters
The Knicks are in a win-now window. They’ve got a legitimate All-Star in Brunson, a versatile frontcourt anchored by Towns, and a roster that’s been grinding out wins in a competitive Eastern Conference. But depth matters-especially up front, where injuries can derail a postseason run in a hurry.
Right now, Robinson is the only true backup center on the roster. And given his track record, that’s a risky position to be in. New York knows it, and that’s why they’re working the phones.
Whether it’s a savvy trade or a smart buyout signing, the Knicks need to shore up their interior rotation. Because come playoff time, every possession matters-and having one more reliable big could be the difference between a deep run and an early exit.