The New York Knicks are off to a solid start this season, but one lingering issue continues to cast a shadow over their frontcourt: depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns.
Towns, the newly acquired big man, has been every bit the versatile interior presence the Knicks hoped for-stretching the floor, anchoring the post, and giving them a legitimate offensive weapon in the frontcourt. But outside of him? The supporting cast in the paint remains a question mark, and it’s a concern that could come into sharper focus as the season grinds on.
At the center of the conversation-literally and figuratively-is Mitchell Robinson. For years, Robinson has been a key defensive presence for New York.
His ability to crash the glass, patrol the rim, and bring energy to the floor has made him a fan favorite and a valuable piece of the Knicks’ identity. But here’s the problem: he just can’t stay healthy.
Robinson hasn’t played more than 50 regular-season games in any of the last three years. Ankle and knee surgeries have piled up, and the Knicks have had to navigate long stretches without him. For a team with playoff aspirations and a roster that’s trying to take that next step, relying on a big man who’s become a consistent injury risk is a tough gamble.
And it’s not just about availability-it’s about offensive limitations. Robinson’s game has always been rooted in hustle plays, lobs, and second-chance points, but he’s not someone who’s going to stretch the floor or create his own shot. That’s fine when everything else is working, but when injuries start to stack up, those limitations become harder to overlook.
That’s why the idea of swapping Robinson for Daniel Gafford is gaining traction. Gafford, currently with the Mavericks, brings a different flavor to the five spot.
He’s not the same kind of rebounder Robinson is, but he’s more polished offensively, especially in the pick-and-roll. Through 14 games with Dallas this season, Gafford is averaging 9.4 points per game while shooting a blistering 61.7% from the field.
That kind of efficiency, paired with his ability to finish around the rim and operate as a low-post option, could give the Knicks a new dimension off the bench-or even as a starter if needed.
From a fit perspective, Gafford makes a lot of sense. He’s younger, less injury-prone, and offers a skill set that complements Towns rather than overlapping with him.
Where Robinson and Towns might crowd the paint, Gafford’s mobility and offensive instincts could open things up. He’s not a floor-spacer, but he moves well without the ball and knows how to find pockets in the defense-a valuable trait in an offense that runs through Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
The Knicks have been patient with Robinson, and that patience hasn’t been unwarranted. When he’s healthy, he’s a game-changer defensively. But as the trade deadline creeps closer, New York has to ask a tough question: can they afford to keep waiting?
If the answer is no, then Gafford might be the ideal target. He’s not a superstar, but he doesn’t need to be. He just needs to be reliable, available, and capable of giving the Knicks consistent minutes in a frontcourt that’s begging for stability.
There’s still time for the Knicks to assess their options, but if Robinson’s health continues to be a rollercoaster, expect this kind of trade chatter to grow louder. Because for a team trying to climb the Eastern Conference ladder, the margin for error is shrinking-and so is the patience for what-ifs.