Knicks face tough roster decision after Mikal Bridges extension
Fresh off signing Mikal Bridges to a four-year, $150 million extension, the New York Knicks are now forced to address another major roster question: the future of center Mitchell Robinson.
Robinson, 27, is entering the final year of his contract and can sign a four-year extension worth up to $87 million if the salary cap rises by 7% after the 2025-26 season. While Robinson remains one of the league’s top defensive anchors and offensive rebounders, his durability is a significant concern. Over the last two seasons, he has appeared in just 48 games, averaging 46 missed games per year since 2022-23.
Letting Robinson test free agency would be a gamble. With several teams expected to have cap space next summer, it would only take one lucrative offer to pry him away from New York.
Bridges’ deal reshapes Knicks’ financial outlook
Bridges accepted roughly $6 million less than his maximum possible salary, slightly easing the Knicks’ future cap situation. Before his extension, the team was widely expected to exceed the second tax apron in 2026-27. While avoiding it entirely is now more realistic, flexibility remains tight.
If Guerschon Yabusele exercises his player option, New York would have around $15.6 million in space below the second apron—but that figure doesn’t account for a new Robinson deal and only covers nine roster spots. Even by filling several spots with minimum-salary rookies, re-signing Robinson while staying under the apron would be extremely difficult.
Trade flexibility at risk
Extending Robinson would also impact New York’s trade options. If he signs a deal with more than a 20% raise, he becomes ineligible to be traded for six months. Bridges already faces that same restriction until just days before the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
That limitation could prove costly. The Knicks’ trade assets are already limited—no tradable first-round pick until next summer, and young players who aren’t valuable enough to headline a major deal. Robinson’s $13 million expiring contract currently stands as their most useful trade chip, especially if the team keeps an eye on potential superstar opportunities—like a future pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
No easy answers for New York
The Knicks now face a difficult decision: extend Robinson and risk losing roster flexibility or let him approach free agency and risk losing their best defensive player for nothing. There’s no obvious solution, and whichever path the front office chooses will carry significant consequences for the franchise’s future.
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