The Knicks entered the 2025 NBA All-Star weekend in strong form, with a roster poised to contend for a championship. However, a glaring weakness has been their lack of interior toughness and rim protection, a need they could address before the February 6 trade deadline.
One potential solution is acquiring veteran Wizards center Jonas Valanciunas. ESPN’s Bobby Marks suggested a trade proposal that would involve the Knicks sending injured big man Mitchell Robinson to Washington in exchange for Valanciunas.
Proposed Trade:
- Knicks receive: Jonas Valanciunas
- Wizards receive: Mitchell Robinson, 2026 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick
Marks outlined why the Wizards might consider the deal, viewing Valanciunas as a salary dump while acquiring future draft capital.
“This trade is about acquiring two future second-round picks and then hoping Robinson can be traded again in the offseason,” Marks wrote on January 29. “Robinson had offseason ankle surgery and has not played this season. His $12.9 million contract next season is below the non-tax midlevel exception.”
Will Knicks Trade For Another Big?
As of January 30, the Knicks had climbed to 13th in defensive rating, but they still lagged behind elite teams like the Celtics, Cavaliers, Thunder, and Rockets. While adding a bruising big man like Jonas Valanciunas could address some of their defensive issues, the Knicks also face a pressing need to bolster their bench for a deep playoff push.
ESPN’s Bobby Marks highlighted the risk of overworking the Knicks’ starting five under head coach Tom Thibodeau.
“New York should be concerned about the workload of its starting five,” Marks noted. “[Mikal] Bridges and Josh Hart lead the league in total minutes played, and New York is the only team with five players in the top 32. As a result, the Knicks’ reserves rank last in minutes per game.
“Robinson’s potential return would strengthen the Knicks’ bench. If he can return before the Feb. 6 trade deadline (he continues to rehab offseason ankle surgery), New York will have to decide whether he has more value playing with the current roster or as part of a trade.”
Robinson’s Knicks Future Uncertain
While Mitchell Robinson’s return is expected to bolster the Knicks’ second unit, particularly on defense, questions remain about his long-term future with the team.
On January 31, The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III reported that the Knicks are “open” to trading Robinson despite head coach Tom Thibodeau’s appreciation for his shot-blocking abilities.
“League sources told The Athletic that they are under the impression that the Knicks are open to moving the oft-injured Robinson, who will make $14.3 million this season and $12.9 million next season,” Edwards III wrote. “The big man, who has been a defensive anchor for New York for several seasons, underwent foot surgery in May and has yet to play this season. Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau said this week that Robinson is not practicing with the team and just began running and jumping.”
Earlier in the season, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that Thibodeau was intrigued by the idea of Robinson playing alongside Karl-Anthony Towns in two-big lineups.
“…The Knicks believe Robinson can help anchor their interior defense when he returns and can play alongside Towns, who’d slide over to power forward,” Scotto wrote on December 2.