New York Knicks

New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson's timeline for return from a stress fracture in his left ankle remains unclear, although the team is expecting him to be out "at least three more months."

ESPN's Brian Windhorst relayed that note in a new story explaining what led to the Knicks acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round draft pick.

Specifically, Windhorst noted "no one knows for sure" when Robinson will return to the floor:

"The Knicks' problems started at center, specifically their lack of a starting one. New York has built a wall around the extent of starter Mitchell Robinson's foot problems -- the Leon Rose administration is good at keeping secrets, which helped the Knicks not lose leverage in these very trade talks. But internally New York is planning for Robinson to be out at least three more months. Will it be more? Hopefully not, but no one knows for sure. Isaiah Hartenstein, who served as Robinson's backup the past two seasons and started 49 games in his absence last season, departed in free agency, leaving New York dangerously thin -- and short -- up front."

Robinson underwent surgery to for the stress fracture on May 13. Per SNY's Ian Begley, Robinson is targeting a "December/January return date." New York wants Robinson to be "100 percent healthy" before he plays this season.

Robinson notably had surgery on a stress fracture in his ankle last December and proceeded to miss 50 games. So there's an obvious desire here to make sure he's fully ready to go before taking the court.

New York clearly felt it had to address the center position after the Towns trade. The team took a big hit at the 5 when Isaiah Hartenstein left via free agency for the Oklahoma City Thunder on a three-year, $87 million contract. The Knicks do have options on the roster to fill time at center, including Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims.

But New York ultimately opted for a blockbuster move in acquiring Towns, a four-time All-Star.

The trade market for four-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns was "tepid" before his reported move to the New York Knicks on Friday night, according to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

Towns' availability and contract were the reasons why, as he's appeared in just 91 total games over the past two seasons. He's also set to carry a cap hit of $49.2 million for the 2024-25 season and has a $61 million player option for his 2027-28 campaign.

"If KAT were to get injured again or the Timberwolves took a step back competitively, it might have been difficult to move him," Krawczynski wrote.

The 28-year-old was dealt by the Minnesota Timberwolves for a package that included Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop and a future protected first-round draft pick via the Detroit Pistons, per Krawczynski and Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Towns is set to begin the first season of a four-year, $224 million contract extension that he signed with Minnesota in July 2022.

While the former Rookie of the Year has remained effective when healthy, it's easy to see why opposing teams were wary about acquiring his salary. Towns' 2024-25 cap hit alone is roughly $13 million higher than the cap hit of OG Anunoby, New York's second-highest-paid player on the roster (via Spotrac).

Still, his hefty salary and injury concerns were a risk that Knicks team president Leon Rose was willing to take. New York is entering the season with championship aspirations following a breakout 2023-24 year from Jalen Brunson as well as the inclusion of trade addition Mikal Bridges.

Towns should fit seamlessly next to Brunson and Bridges in the starting lineup, spacing the floor while possessing the ability to generate his own offense. In 62 starts last season, he averaged 21.8 points and 8.3 rebounds per game on 50.4/41.6/87.3 shooting splits.

With a reportedly lukewarm trade market, the Timberwolves decided to pull the trigger on a Towns deal just before the start of training camp.

Even though the New York Knicks weren't planning to move on from Donte DiVincenzo this offseason, they decided to include him as part of the package to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Karl-Anthony Towns.

Per SNY's Ian Begley, DiVincenzo "didn't exactly love the idea" of potentially playing a reduced role for the Knicks since Mikal Bridges likely would have taken his spot in the starting lineup if he stayed with the club.

Begley did note that any potential unhappiness for DiVincenzo likely didn't factor into New York's decision to include him in the trade for Towns.

The Athletic's Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski reported on Friday that the Knicks were sending DiVincenzo, Julius Randle, Keita Bates-Diop and a future first-round draft pick via the Detroit Pistons to the Timberolves for Towns.

New York was in the market for another center with Mitchell Robinson likely to be out until at least December while recovering from offseason ankle surgery. Towns is a big swing for an organization that is all-in right now after previously adding Bridges to a core that includes Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby.

After beginning last season coming off the bench, DiVincenzo played his way into the starting five for head coach Tom Thibodeau. The 27-year-old wound up starting 63 games, just the second time in his career he started at least 40 games (66 in 2020-21).

DiVincenzo set career-highs in minutes per game (29.1), scoring average (15.5 points per game) and three-point percentage (40.1) in 2023-24. His 283 made threes ranked third in the NBA, behind Stephen Curry (357) and Luka Dončić (284).

The Timberwolves don't have a starting job available for DiVincenzo with Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley Jr. in their backcourt, but his three-point shooting ability will almost certainly make him a big part of the closing lineup for head coach Chris Finch.

One of the dangers of being a professional athlete who makes a vague comment on social media after your team does something significant is it can be misinterpreted, as New York Knicks forward Josh Hart found out on Saturday.

Hart had to clarify that a post asking "uhh...are we serious?" was a reference to Chelsea's match against Brighton on Saturday morning, not about the Knicks' decision to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns.

THIS IS ABOUT THE CHELSEA MATCH! https://t.co/5ZX7eX93RB

— Josh Hart (@joshhart) September 28, 2024

The Knicks pulled off a surprise blockbuster on Friday night by agreeing to send Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, Keita Bates-Diop and a future first-round pick via the Detroit Pistons to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Towns, per The Athletic's Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski.

Hart does have the online receipts to prove that he is a Chelsea fan, in case any conspiracy theorists are suspicious of his explanation.

It’s been tough being a Chelsea supporter lately but it’s forever #KTBFFH

— Josh Hart (@joshhart) January 8, 2023

The deal certainly came as a surprise because it was assumed the Knicks were done after bringing in Mikal Bridges in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets earlier this offseason.

SNY's Ian Begley reported on Monday that Knicks center Mitchell Robinson is eyeing a December/January return after undergoing offseason ankle surgery. They were already thin at the position after losing Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency.

Towns will slot in as the starting center, with Robinson able to come off the bench when he is ready to play.

One downside of the trade is the 'Nova Knicks never got to play in a game together. Hart, DiVincenzo, Bridges and Jalen Brunson all played together at Villanova for two seasons from 2015 to '17.

After the Bridges trade was finalized in July, Hart and Brunson were over the moon about the deal when discussing it on their podcast.

Even though the Knicks broke up the Villanova quartet, they are still in a great position to challenge the Boston Celtics for the top seed in the Eastern Conference this season.

Brunson established himself as a superstar during the Knicks' playoff run last season. Bridges gives head coach Tom Thibodeau another versatile two-way wing, along with Hart and OG Anunoby.

Towns might take some time to get acclimated to a different system and new teammates, but he's been one of the most reliable scorers from the center position since entering the NBA in 2016.

The Knicks ranked 14th in the NBA in three-point percentage last season. Towns should help increase that rate with a 39.8 percent success rate from behind the arc in his career.

Even if Hart was privately disappointed about not getting to play with his three Villanova teammates, the Knicks are still in a good spot to contend for an NBA title after making this move.

The New York Knicks are acquiring Minnesota Timberwolves big man Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and a first-round draft pick via the Detroit Pistons, per Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

More will be needed to get the trade done, per Fred Katz of The Athletic.

The Knicks and Timberwolves will need a third team to facilitate a Julius Randle/Donte DiVincenzo/Karl-Anthony Towns trade. Both teams are above the first apron, meaning neither is allowed to take on more money than it sends out in a deal.

— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) September 28, 2024

Knicks could get there in a number of ways, but trading just Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo is not enough to land Karl-Anthony Towns salary-wise. The money does not work. Knicks need to add about $9 million more to the deal.

— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) September 28, 2024

Needless to say, this was stunning NBA news on Friday evening, and Towns himself had a reaction.

…

— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) September 28, 2024

The word from the Towns camp is this: “Stunned.”

Nine years with the Wolves. Impeccable in the community. All-Star and All-NBA. Now a New York Knick.

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) September 28, 2024

And others were shocked or bewildered for various reasons.

The #Knicks were always going to have to trade Randle for a center. Thought it’d be someone like Stewart though…what a stunner. #Wolves had enormous 2nd apron, tax concerns with Towns’ contract. He was probably gone at some point. But this soon? Wow. https://t.co/8PmurHi1UH

— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) September 28, 2024

Wow Karl-Anthony Towns just got traded for Julius Randle, that's crazy. #BBN https://t.co/e7eXCWt0k9

— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) September 28, 2024

Holy shit. This trade blew my mind... Towns instead of Randle is very preferable. Hate losing Donte, but after the last few years how do you not trust this regime? https://t.co/izxtfbFruf

— John Jastremski (@john_jastremski) September 28, 2024

I’m stunned ; my boy Randle is gone 🤦🏾‍♂️

— HannsBx‼️ (@HannsBx) September 28, 2024

Crazy -- Julius Randle getting praise as a New York Knick from Thibodeau this week, how attached he was to the city and the team.

— Steve Popper (@StevePopper) September 28, 2024

The NBA is crazy Julius Randle was just at the Ground breaking for the new Earl Monroe New Renaissance school and now this wow…..

— Jaquam Bodden (@JaquamB) September 28, 2024

https://twitter.com/30problemz/status/1839852733194535405

Was kind of shell shocked for a minute... That 1-2 combo pick n roll gonna be unstoppable, towns actually roles, and can also shoot the 3 better than Randle.. Don't sleep on a player from the area who wanted to be here.. Dominicans are celebrating in the streets tonight!! https://t.co/HqejbcPxz6

— Mbkalex (@mbkalex) September 28, 2024

Part of me is wondering why Timberwolves would do that.

Towns is better than Randle at everything. It makes no sense.

— Mayowa. (@Wana____) September 28, 2024

KAT is soft as tissue paper and idk how Randle fits with Ant at all. I’m also kinda stunned Thibs would be cool with coaching KAT again

— Fitz (@FitzGSN_) September 28, 2024

Wow. Since when do trades like this happen in preseason. Boost for Randle since the Wolves have less offense after their top 2 than NY. Good for DD too. Should be locked into a high 20s role now even though he'll come off the bench. Should go before the final rounds. Bump for… https://t.co/0OQdFPepbp

— Adam Stock (@AdamGStock) September 28, 2024

Honestly like the Randle fit better in MN. Wow for NY!

— Chris Wagner (@ChrisWagner87) September 28, 2024

https://twitter.com/KURTspeeds/status/1839851911601639504

Wow…was not expecting this tonight. At initial glance, I like this more for NYK than MIN. KAT can fit in well with the Knicks, provides more shooting and can more easily plan center than Randle. https://t.co/DtmT2jwKGy

— David J. Smith (@davidjsmith1232) September 28, 2024

NBA fans won't have to wait long to see the players in action for new teams with the regular season beginning in under a month. In addition, the first Minnesota-New York regular-season matchup will go down on Dec. 19 in Minneapolis.

Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce isn't optimistic about the long-term future of the New York Knicks.

"I don't believe the Knicks will win a championship in my lifetime," Pierce said during the latest episode of Ticket & The Truth.

"I don't think in my lifetime," he added. "I'm just saying they will, but I won't be around to see it."

.@PaulPierce34 sees an NBA title in New York’s (*distant) future… 🤣

“I don’t believe the Knicks will win a championship in my lifetime.”⁰
ALL NEW Ticket & The Truth: https://t.co/CuMYJuyWpi pic.twitter.com/6ObT2YX3do

— All the Smoke (@allthesmokeprod) September 27, 2024

Pierce previously celebrated on X after the Knicks were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 of the second round of the playoffs, posting a video of himself stomping on the jersey of All-Star point guard Jalen Brunson.

🤫🤫🤫😂😂 pic.twitter.com/V406pwtbuu

— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 19, 2024

Yall Knick fans are delusional stfu and get over it ya season is over deal wit it .Good yr tho

— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) May 19, 2024

New York's last championship victory was in 1973, with the team reaching the NBA Finals in 1994 and 1999.

Despite the Knicks' extended lack of success following their last Finals appearance, they appear poised to contend for a championship once again. They've made it to the Eastern Conference semifinals in each of the past two seasons, finishing with the fifth-best net rating in the association last year (via NBA.com).

Brunson is joined by All-Star power forward Julius Randle and defensive-minded swingman OG Anunoby in New York's starting lineup, with the latter signing a five-year contract worth $212.5 million to stay with the team over the summer.

The Knicks also acquired Mikal Bridges in a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets, giving head coach Tom Thibodeau multiple wings with the ability to guard several positions and fire away from behind the arc.

New York is expected to battle with the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers near the top of the Eastern Conference standings. However, Pierce isn't convinced that a championship is in the team's future.

The New York Knicks made a valiant run during the 2023-24 NBA playoffs but ultimately fell short against the Indiana Pacers because of injuries.

Julius Randle suffered a season-ending shoulder injury before the postseason, while Mitchell Robinson and Bojan Bogdanovic were both lost during the playoffs.

OG Anunoby then suffered a hamstring issue in Game 2 against Indiana, and the depleted Knicks were ultimately worn down by Indiana in seven games.

Before the injury bug became a monster, though, New York was playing like a cohesive team capable of making a run to the Finals. That's the hope for the upcoming season, especially after the addition of Mikal Bridges, but injuries are already a concern for the Knicks.

According to The Athletic's James L. Edwards III, Robinson is unlikely to return to the court following ankle surgery until December or January. That's a problem, both because of his importance to the team and because of New York's lack of center depth.

Isaiah Hartenstein departed for the Oklahoma City Thunder in free agency, leaving the Knicks with little at the position. Precious Achiuwa re-signed on a one-year $6 million deal, Jericho Sims is still on the roster and Randle can play center.

With Hartenstein and Robinson on the mend, though, it's imperative that the Knicks improve their center depth sooner than later.

According to Edwards, that is part of New York's plan.

"New York has spent a good portion of the last few months scouring the league to address its lack of depth at the position, according to league sources,' he wrote.

Edwards mentioned Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart as a potential trade target "the team has shown interest in trading for."

In a separate article, Edwards reported that the Knicks have also had Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards "on their radar" this offseason.

Stewart and Richards are sensible targets for New York. Both could add quality defense to the position, and the former could bring some additional range to the offense—he made 38.3 percent of his three-point attempts last season.

Trading for a center like Stewart or Richards would be complicated, of course. The Knicks are over the luxury tax and cannot take back more salary than they send out in a deal. Richards has a cap hit of $5 million this season, while Stewart is set to earn $15 million.

New York would also likely need to include a quality player, like backup guard Miles McBride to get a deal done. The team lacks enticing tradeable draft assets after the Bridges deal, but it is owed the Pistons 2025 first-round pick (top-13 protected).

However, a trade might be the Knicks' best option. They have an open active roster spot and the mid-level exception, but the center market is down to the likes of Moses Brown and JaVale McGee.

The Knicks may find more options closer to the February 6 trade deadline, but Robinson will hopefully be back by then.

One way or another, though, the Knicks need to improve their center depth now. Otherwise, they will likely have a lot more riding on Robinson's return than they would like.

New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau released a statement following news of Derrick Rose's retirement (click X post for full view).

pic.twitter.com/h4frh5MAmv

— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) September 26, 2024

Thibodeau was Rose's head coach at three different stops: the Chicago Bulls (2010-2015), Minnesota Timberwolves (2018-2019) and New York Knicks (2021-2023).

Rose notably won the NBA MVP award in 2010-11, Thibodeau's first year as Bulls head coach. Chicago won 62 games, earned the Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed and reached the Eastern Conference Finals.

The 35-year-old overcame significant injury obstacles during his 15-year career, including a torn ACL in his left knee (2012), two tears of his right meniscus (2013 and 2015) and a left meniscus tear (2017).

However, he still remained productive in the back half of his career and ultimately landed with Thibodeau at three stops.

Some of Rose's finest moments occurred when linked up with his longest-tenured head coach, including a 50-point outing with the Timberwolves in 2018.

He also finished third in the Sixth Man of the Year for the 2020-21 Knicks, who broke a seven-year streak outside the playoffs before Rose helped New York back into the postseason.

Rose finished his career with 17.2 points and 5.2 assists per season.

Count NBA commissioner Adam Silver among those who are happy to see the New York Knicks establishing themselves as contenders.

Speaking to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Silver said the following about the Knicks and what their success means for the league as a whole:

"As a lifelong New Yorker, it's fantastic to see. Of course as commissioner of the league, I support all teams equally. I get a disproportionate number of comments pro-Knicks as I live in New York City and walking around the streets and you can just tell how enthusiastic the fans are in this town. I've always thought of New York City as a basketball town.

"When I talk to players around the league on other teams, many of whom are from the New York area, of course they don't want to lose to the Knicks but they love coming to the Garden, having a competitive Knicks team, having the celebrities sit courtside, having that special energy in the building."

Silver also praised the Knicks and star guard Jalen Brunson for coming to terms on a four-year, $156.6 million extension in July, saying:

"Compliments to the Knicks and Jalen for creating an environment that he wanted to be in. If he continues to play at the level he is, he'll make an enormous amount of money, which is wonderful. But I think what he did with his contract is consistent with the way he leads on the floor. I think he made it clear to his teammates that he cares about them as well and he also realizes that in order to compete for championships, he needs great players around him."

After showcasing he potential with the Dallas Mavericks, Brunson signed a four-year, $104 million deal with the Knicks in 2022.

That proved to be the best possible move for his career, as he has blossomed into a star over the course of his two years in the Big Apple.

In 2022-23, Brunson enjoyed what was a career year at the time, averaging 24.0 points, 6.2 assists, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 three-pointers made per game.

He was even better last season, though, averaging 28.7 points, 6.7 assists, 3.6 rebounds and 2.7 three-pointers made per contest. As a result, he was named an All-Star and to the All-NBA Second Team for the first time, plus he finished fifth in NBA MVP voting.

Brunson helped the Knicks go 50-32 and reach the second round of the playoffs where they were eliminated by the Indiana Pacers in seven games due largely several key players suffering injuries.

Rather than waiting another year to sign what likely would have been a significantly bigger contract extension, Brunson took a discount by signing one over the summer, which allowed the Knicks to add to an already talented core.

The Knicks were able to re-sign wing OG Anunoby, plus they acquired another wing in Mikal Bridges in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets.

With a roster led by Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, Donte DiVincenzo, Julius Randle and Josh Hart, the Knicks are one of the deepest and most talented teams in the league.

They have not reached the NBA Finals since 1999 or won a championship since 1973, but they are considered among the top contenders to do so in 2024-25.

Getting past the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference won't be easy, but there is perhaps no team better equipped to do so than the Knicks.

The New York Knicks have had Charlotte Hornets center Nick Richards "on their radar this offseason," per James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

Edwards relayed that news amid an article exploring three hypothetical Knicks trades for big men in light of news that center Mitchell Robinson could miss the first two months of the season to rehab from offseason surgery on his left ankle.

In the Richards trade, Edwards had the Knicks sending Miles McBride and Keita Bates-Diop to the Hornets for Richards and a future second-round pick.

"Richards, who league sources tell The Athletic is someone the Knicks have had on their radar this offseason, is a big, physical specimen with a good motor. He rebounds OK, too, and can be disruptive at the rim. McBride, though, is the best player in this deal, so I'd be hesitant to do this particular trade if I were running the Knicks' front office, even if it addresses a need."

One other trade had the Knicks getting Detroit Pistons center Isaiah Stewart (and two future second-round picks) for Robinson, McBride and a 2025 first-round pick (via Detroit). The other saw the Knicks receive Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler for McBride and a 2025 first-round pick (via Detroit).

The seven-foot, 245-pound Richards, who is 26, has played his entire four-year career with the Hornets. He started 51 of his 67 games last season, averaging 9.7 points on 69.1 percent shooting, 8.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game. Richards also notably has a very friendly contract, with $5 million due his way each of the next two seasons before free agency hits in 2026.

It's understandable why the Knicks would have interest in Richards (or any potential big man). In addition to Robinson's injury, the Knicks have to fill the gap left by Isaiah Hartenstein, who left in free agency for the Oklahoma City Thunder on a three-year, $87 million contract.

The Knicks do have players who can fill time at the 5, including Randle (when he's not manning power forward), Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims. But it's been reported that the Knicks have been in contact with other teams. Ian Begley of SNY had more.

"As far as backup centers and the trade deadline, I know the Knicks talked to Atlanta this offseason about a deal involving Capela. The Rockets want to win so if they are in a good place heading into the trade deadline, I'd be surprised if they moved Adams.

"I'd keep an eye on Nick Richards in Charlotte as a possible trade candidate. Same goes for Walker Kessler in Utah. As ESPN's Brian Windhorst noted, Robert Williams is a name to monitor. Maybe Jonas Valančiūnas?"

We'll see if the Knicks make a move after the Robinson news broke. In the meantime, New York is trying to build off a 50-win season that led to back-to-back second-round playoff appearances for the first time since 1999 and 2000. Game 1 is Oct. 22 at the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics.