With Mitchell Robinson sidelined due to an ankle injury, the New York Knicks find themselves in desperate need of a reliable frontcourt option to complement Karl-Anthony Towns. As the trade deadline approaches on Feb. 6, the Knicks are reportedly exploring options to strengthen their roster, and one name gaining traction is veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas.
Valančiūnas: A Reliable Option for the Knicks
James L. Edwards III of The Athletic recently proposed a mock trade in which the Knicks acquire Valančiūnas from the Washington Wizards. In this scenario, New York would send the oft-injured Mitchell Robinson and two second-round draft picks to Washington in exchange for the 32-year-old big man.
“My logic here is that the Knicks get a regularly available and steady veteran center who would immediately be a frontcourt upgrade off the bench (assuming Robinson isn’t close to being the player he once was),” Edwards wrote. “New York has some second-round picks to spare, so while it’s not ideal to attach assets to move off Robinson, it’s not the end of the world, either.”
Valančiūnas has been a model of durability throughout his 13-year NBA career, appearing in at least 62 games in every season since 2019. This season, he’s averaging 11.6 points and 8.2 rebounds in just 20 minutes per game for the Wizards, primarily in a bench role. His steady production and ability to handle significant minutes make him an appealing target for a Knicks team grappling with depth issues.
The Case for Moving Robinson
Mitchell Robinson’s injury history has been a persistent concern for the Knicks. While he has shown flashes of brilliance as a rim protector and rebounder, his inability to stay healthy has limited his impact. With Robinson’s status uncertain and the Knicks in win-now mode, moving him for a more reliable contributor like Valančiūnas could be a prudent decision.
Additionally, trading Robinson would save the Knicks a few million dollars in payroll, providing more financial flexibility for future moves. Although attaching draft assets to move Robinson is not ideal, the Knicks have accumulated enough second-round picks to make such a deal without severely impacting their long-term plans.
How Valančiūnas Fits in New York
Valančiūnas would bring a versatile skill set to the Knicks’ frontcourt. He is a skilled post scorer, a strong rebounder, and an underrated passer, making him an excellent complement to Towns. His durability and experience would also provide stability for a team aiming to make a deep playoff run.
Off the bench, Valančiūnas could anchor the second unit while still being capable of stepping into a starting role if necessary. His consistent production and veteran presence would address the Knicks’ current lack of depth and give head coach Tom Thibodeau more flexibility in managing rotations.
A Trade to Watch
As the trade deadline nears, the Knicks are likely to be active players in the market. While a blockbuster deal may be out of reach due to financial and draft capital constraints, acquiring Valančiūnas would be a smart, low-risk move that addresses one of the team’s most pressing needs.
Whether the Knicks ultimately pursue Valančiūnas or explore other options, the front office’s focus will remain on solidifying the roster for a competitive playoff push. For now, all eyes are on the trade market and how the Knicks plan to navigate it.