NBA Rumors: Knicks' Interest In Cavs Center May Decline With Robinson’s Impending Return

KEY POINTS

Mitchell Robinson is set to return for the Knicks but on a temporarily reduced role
The Knicks are taking a cautious approach before giving Robinson his old role back
The Knicks' interest in Andre Drummond is likely to decline with Robinson returning

The New York Knicks are expected to get stronger soon, with their middle problems likely to be addressed. Mitchell Robinson has been missing in the team’s last 15 days, but it appears he will be slowly making his way back into the lineup. This development could also factor in heavily on rumors that New York may go after Andre Drummond of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Robinson has been cleared for physical contact after sitting out 15 games for the Knicks due to a broken right hand. However, head coach Tom Thibodeau is taking a cautious approach before giving the 22-year-old his spot back.

The 7-footer is listed as questionable in New York’s match against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday, hinting that he may or may not see action for the Knicks.

The Florida native shared on social media that he is ready to go, but Thibodeau admitted that it may take some more time before Robinson gets his old role back. This means that for now, Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson will man the slot until Robinson feels he is ready to get back his regular minutes. It would be best to note that there was no mention of whether or not Robinson would be on restricted minutes, the New York Post reported.

I feel tooooooo goooooddddd bro I’m ready __
— Mitchell Robinson (@23savage____) March 20, 2021

“He’s getting close,” Thibodeau said. “Been cleared. He’s done more. So we want to see how he responds after the contact, The conditioning piece is important, But he’s been cleared from a physical standpoint.”

The good news is that Robinson has time to get back into the groove. It also suggests that the Knicks' alleged link to Drummond may no longer come to fruition. It was mentioned in a previous report that New York could go after Drummond and beef up its frontline heading into the NBA playoffs.

Further, it was suggested that New York could up their stakes by locking up the 6-foot-10 center with a long-term deal. Julius Randle has been the new star for the Gotham-based squad, and the return of Robinson will likely lower the chances of the club pursuing the All-Star center.

The Knicks are at the sixth spot of the NBA Eastern Conference and are coming off a close win over the Orlando Magic, 94-93. New York is looking to avenge its 99-96 loss to the Sixers last week.