Knicks upcoming $34.8 million decision could lead to Mitchell Robinson’s departure

The New York Knicks could have some tough decisions on the horizon. 

Per ESPN’s Bobby Marks, the Knicks, who aren’t currently in the second apron, could exceed it in 2026-27 if they wish to keep their entire core around. 

Two key players that will determine the team’s apron status are Mikal Bridges, and Mitchell Robinson. Both players are now extension eligible, but a looming decision on Bridges could cost the team their chances of retaining Robinson long-term.

Bridges is currently eligible for a four-year, $156 million contract extension. 

“A new contract for Bridges that starts at $34.8 million could squeeze out Mitchell Robinson,” Marks said in his report. “Like Bridges, Robinson is eligible to sign up to a four-year extension and is a free agent if a new contract is not reached by June 30.”

This situation leaves the Knicks to essentially choose between Bridges or Robinson for the long-term future, and each player comes with their own ebbs-and-flows. 

Robinson is the team’s longest tenured player — having debuted in 2018 — and has provided the team with elite rebounding and rim protection during his time with the team. However, debilitating injuries continue to derail his career, which the Knicks must take into account when looking into the future.

Bridges on the other hand, has only played one season with the Knicks. He averaged 17.6 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game last season. A stark contrast from Robinson, Bridges is perhaps the NBA’s most durable player, as he has never missed a single game in his seven-year career up to this point. Bridges struggled to find consistency this season, but was still crucial to the team’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals.

The easiest route to retaining both would be one of them taking a significant pay cut similar to that of Jalen Brunson’s. However, Brunson’s case is one in a million, and it is unrealistic to expect one of Bridges or Robinson to do the same.