Knicks Rumors: 3 Trade Targets to Replace Mitchell Robinson

This is so much worse than anyone in the New York Knicks organization could have thought. After learning earlier this month that rising center Mitchell Robinson would be undergoing ankle surgery, it was thought that he'd be out for a couple of months. Now we get word that Robinson will miss the rest of the season, and the beleaguered big man has responded. 

Mitchell Robinson on Snapchat: “I just dont get it...I do everything I'm asked when it comes to my body and this shlt still happens like wtf
Another year another disappointment” pic.twitter.com/mFF68khX6K

— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 21, 2023

“I just don't get it...I do everything I'm asked when it comes to my body and this sh*t still happens like wtf

Another year another disappointment” wrote Robinson. 

The Knicks have applied to the NBA for a Disabled Player Exception worth $7.8 million, according to Shams Charania. And with that, the team will be looking for a replacement big man. Here are 3 reasonable targets to keep an eye on:

Clint Capela, Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks rim protector and rim runner has had his name in trade rumors for some time now, and this time, there's an urgency by one team at least. He's averaging 11.8 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocked shots, all numbers right around his career marks, and all slightly above Robinson's averages.

Precious Achiuwa, Toronto Raptors

The Raptors backup big has seen his minutes and overall numbers dip just a bit this season under new head coach Darko Rajakovic. He could replace some of the athleticism of Robinson, if not his rim protection. 

Andre Drummond, Chicago Bulls

If the Knicks are just looking for a stop-gap measure with no thoughts of the future after this season, Drummond could do the trick. The Bulls are going nowhere, despite some recent big wins and nice little run, so they might be willing to part with the 11-year veteran who has become more of a bit player in recent years. Can he still put up bigger minutes? Earlier in his career, he put up huge rebounding and blocked shot numbers when given the floor time. 

Photo: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports