The New York Knicks are unlikely to keep Mitchell Robinson and Landry Shamet this offseason, according to Evan Sidery, with owner James Dolan’s position on avoiding the second apron limiting the team’s ability to compete financially in free agency.
Both players are entering unrestricted free agency after helping New York win the NBA Finals. The Knicks finished the 2025-26 regular season with a 53-29 record, third in the Eastern Conference, before defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win the championship.
Robinson, 28, is the bigger potential loss because of his defensive impact and rebounding presence. The veteran center averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and shot 72.3% from the field in 60 games during the 2025-26 season.
Despite playing 19.6 minutes per game and starting only 16 contests, Robinson remained one of New York’s most important interior defenders. His 4.2 offensive rebounds per game ranked among the league’s best, giving the Knicks extra possessions around a roster built around Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and their wing defenders.
Robinson’s departure would create a significant frontcourt question. Towns started all 75 games and averaged 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists, but Robinson provided a different skill set as a rim protector and lob threat.
Several teams are already monitoring Robinson’s availability, including the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. With centers of Robinson’s defensive profile often commanding strong offers, New York may struggle to match competing bids while staying below the second apron.
Shamet’s possible exit would affect the Knicks’ perimeter depth. The 29-year-old guard joined New York on a one-year, $3 million contract and averaged 9.3 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 51 games while shooting 39.2% from three-point range.
His 2.0 made threes per game provided spacing for a Knicks offense that relied heavily on Brunson’s creation. Brunson averaged 26.0 points and 6.8 assists during the regular season, while the Knicks ranked among the Eastern Conference’s top teams.
