December 15 marks the unofficial start of the NBA trade season, as free agents who were signed this offseason become eligible to be traded. The rumor mill is already at work, with the Knicks a headliner in multiple rumors.
In recent days, Kris Pursiainen of ClutchPoints reported that New York was interested in acquiring Donte DiVincenzo Or Jose Alvaradoand ESPN1320’s James Ham reported expressing interest in Dennis Schröder. DiVincenzo remains a fan favorite since perhaps the Knicks’ best single-season career in franchise history, while the other two are reliable, defensively sound guards, making for a natural group of targets.
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What’s notable is their salaries: DiVincenzo makes $12 million and Schroder makes $14 million. If the Knicks are serious about acquiring one of these, in order to match salaries they will have to ship out half their bench or a key player.
Mitchell Robinson was the longest-tenured Knick of all Leon Rose era, having a huge impact on several playoff series. But it’s the final year of his contract, they haven’t agreed to an extension, and historically the Knicks have traded players in similar situations before allowing them to hit free agency.
Maybe this time is different, but Robinson’s health is a major concern, his defense has declined significantly, and his contract happens to be the only one that matches his reported trade goals. Are the Knicks preparing to trade Robinson, and if so, should they do so?
If the first assumption is true, it cannot be inferred from reports of commercial interest. On the rare occasions when the Knicks made a trade midseason, they were not pre-linked to their targets, and a report on an opposing team’s pace can easily value the home player for future discussions.
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It’s possible New York wants to take advantage of the offseason flexibility and re-sign Robinson this summer. He’s been extremely effective in the playoffs and even with his struggles this year, he’s been a beast on the offensive glass.
November 5, 2025; New York, New York, United States; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The fact that his salary matches potential trade acquisitions doesn’t mean much, as complicated as combining salaries or moving on to third and fourth teams, it still happens, and is an alternate route to getting those names. They could also just be interested but not want to move on from Robinson.
Should they be? Concerns about his health are legitimate, having not played a 60-game season since 2022 and being restricted this year.
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When he played, he didn’t look the same defensively, his mobility taking a big hit. With Robinson on the court, the Knicks allow 114.2 points per 100 possessions, compared to 110.3 without him, when historically he has had the opposite impact.
He’s been the same monster on the glass as always and remains their best option at backup center. Without Robinson, the Knicks are at Guerschon Yabusélé, Ariel Hukporti, And Trey Jemison III.
That’s a concern regarding his trade, even though the Knicks could theoretically fill that gap another way. Will move Robinson and a Yabusele/ Pacôme DadiétPackage /picks for DiVincenzo/Schroder and a new backup five offer enough additional value to shake up team chemistry and avoid losing a free agent?
The answer probably depends on who New York can acquire from both sides. If DiVincenzo is actually in play, it’s hard for the Knicks not to consider this move pattern.
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DiVincenzo would provide a jolt of filming and creation in a system he is uniquely equipped for, not to mention the narrative and aura surrounding such a meeting that would take the city by storm. Ironically, Schroder might be an even better fit as a reliable ball handler and more curious defender.
But if New York can’t replace Robinson, the situation becomes more difficult. Maybe they believe enough in Yabusele and Hukporti, or they can somehow scam a Daniel Gafford Or Jalen Black-smith.
Even so, the positive, game-changing impact Robinson can bring in the playoffs makes it difficult to justify even marginally on paper during a championship run. What’s more realistic is that the Knicks are doing their due diligence on all fronts and exploring all avenues to maximize these upcoming playoffs.
What this actually materializes from a trade will likely be nothing from what we’ve seen. New York is particularly low on chips and flexibility here, and won’t want to upset a 17-7 Knicks team en route to the NBA Cup championship.
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Yet anything is possible in this wild league and with this ruthless franchise desperately chasing its first title in 50 years. We’re sure to hear a lot more between now and February, but don’t pay too much attention to it unless something finally happens.
