The New York Knicks are reportedly exploring a potential trade for Washington Wizards center Jonas Valančiūnas amid uncertainty surrounding Mitchell Robinson’s recovery from ankle surgeries.
According to Ian Begley of SNY, the Knicks remain hopeful that Robinson will return to action by early February. However, they are weighing contingency plans in case his recovery timeline extends, with Valančiūnas emerging as a possible target ahead of the trade deadline.
“There’s a strong belief that [Robinson] will be back on the court by early February,” Begley said. “But the question is, do you wait that long, or do you make a move to bring in someone else? Jonas Valančiūnas is certainly on their radar if they decide they need another option.”
Robinson, a key component of the Knicks’ rotation and a valuable asset since the arrival of Karl-Anthony Towns, has been sidelined since the 2024 playoffs. Following two ankle surgeries in December 2023 and May 2023, his availability remains a pressing concern for the Knicks.
Last season, Robinson’s averages of 4.6 offensive rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game demonstrated his importance to the Knicks’ frontcourt and their defensive identity. Despite his contributions, the Knicks’ lack of bench scoring and Robinson’s modest offensive output could prompt the team to seek reinforcements.
Enter Valančiūnas, who offers the Knicks a dependable and experienced alternative. The 32-year-old has been productive in limited minutes this season with the struggling Wizards, averaging 11.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in under 20 minutes per game. Although primarily backing up rookie Alex Sarr, Valančiūnas has proven his ability to contribute both offensively and on the boards.
According to The Athletic’s David Aldridge, the Wizards are seeking valuable draft capital in exchange for the veteran center. However, Aldridge noted that the asking price could vary based on the trade package:
“Washington’s front office would want a draft pick (or picks) that significantly accelerates their rebuild—late second-round picks likely wouldn’t suffice. If the deal includes a highly paid player with a multi-year contract that impacts future payroll flexibility, Washington would almost certainly demand a first-round pick. If the incoming contract doesn’t affect long-term flexibility, then multiple early second-round picks might be enough.”
For the Knicks, the ideal outcome is avoiding the need for a trade altogether. Robinson’s healthy return could restore stability to their rotation and help the team make a deep postseason run with its current roster.
“In a perfect world, Mitch comes back healthy, proves he can play at a high level, and the Knicks move forward from there,” Begley concluded.
With the NBA trade deadline approaching on February 6 at 3 PM ET, all eyes are on the Knicks’ next move as they navigate this crucial decision.
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