New York Knicks Center Primed For Move To Chicago Bulls This Offseason

The New York Knicks were hoping for good things heading into the 2021-22 season after their surprising fourth-seed finish the previous season thanks to the efforts of Julius Randle, but it did not turn out that way for them.

Disappointment settled in for Knicks fans as it became clear that Randle’s Most Improved Player-worthy run was seemingly just a flash in the pan at the time and they are now staring towards a long offseason of rebuilding a playoff-worthy team--with or without oft-injured big man Mitchell Robinson.

Marc Berman of the New York Post recently reported that the Chicago Bulls are looking to acquire Robinson once free agency opens.

“The Post has learned the Bulls are continuing to do their research on Robinson ahead of the free-agency period that will begin July 1. The Bulls could be the main competitors for Robinson if the Knicks don’t lock him up to a contract extension on June 30,” Berman wrote.

Seeing Robinson in a Bulls jersey would be an interesting scenario as Chicago is in dire need of depth at center behind starter Nikola Vucevic.

The Milwaukee Bucks exposed the Bulls' lack of a backup center during their first-round matchup in the postseason, easily dispatching them in just five games.

While it would be surprising to see Robinson agree to become a bench big man, it would do wonders to help prolong his already injury-wracked career.

The shot-blocking center has dealt with a fractured right hand, a reoccurring ankle issue, and a nagging foot issue, among other things.

This season though, the 36th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft turned in his first season where he played above 70 games and is an integral part of head coach Tom Thibodeau’s defensive schemes.

Losing him to the Bulls would be a massive blow to what the Knicks are trying to achieve in New York, but Robinson has been letting out his feelings for his role with the team.

The Knicks have also been linked to possibly making a trade for Utah Jazz superstar Donovan Mitchell, but NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley shot down that idea quickly.

Retaining Mitchell by any means has to be at the top of their list this offseason simply because of his presence inside the paint and his ability to score buckets at an efficient rate, even breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s long-standing record for having the most efficient field goal percentage in league history back in July 2020.

However, Robinson’s clear displeasure for the franchise could see him shun the Knicks and join the Bulls next season.