Amid a New York Knicks season that’s been full of disappointment, one narrative that’s been inescapable for fans is the future of starting center Mitchell Robinson.
The fourth-year big is averaging 8.5 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game in 65 appearances this season.
But given the peculiarity of Robinson’s contract situation with the Knicks (if he doesn’t sign an extension, he will become an unrestricted free agent this summer), his future in the Big Apple appears uncertain.
It doesn’t help that Robinson’s social media activity — specifically, discussing New York’s downfalls with fans — isn’t necessarily team-friendly.
Take, for example, his response to a Twitter user after the Knicks’ 108-93 loss on March 20.
Not one hour following the final buzzer, Robinson liked a tweet suggesting that Knicks backup center Jericho Sims take his job as starting center:
Robinson, who will turn 24 on April 1, had just finished the game with four points, three rebounds, two assists, one block and one steal against three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert.
And the Knicks (30-41) fell to 11 games below .500 and the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference.
But this isn’t the first time their starting center has taken to social media to voice his displeasure with the team.
Robinson Has a History of Vocal Unrest
Down three games to one in their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks in the 2021 playoffs, the Knicks were missing Robinson, who was out with a broken right foot.
And he appeared to grow increasingly restless on the sidelines, posting on Instagram a brief highlight montage from a January 21 win over the Golden State Warriors, captioned ‘Missing the fight’ with the praying hands emoji:
Mitchell Robinson’s social media campaign for a return continues.
This time with a highlight reel.
Reminding the New York Knicks what they’re missing perhaps?
(via @mrobinson23_ on Instagram)
He also posted it to his Instagram Story, making it just the latest in a series of cryptic posts.
And a week earlier, Robinson posted this message on Instagram Story, seemingly begging the Knicks to be brought back to the hardwood:
Mitchell Robinson sounds off from the sidelines. 🥴🙏
(via @mrobinson23_ on Instagram)
Fans wondered whether Robinson was preparing to have his own “Willis Reed” moment. But Robinson never appeared in the series, and the Hawks won 4-1.
Less than a year later, Robinson and the Knicks have some things to figure out. He and the team are seemingly back at odds with free agency looming and no contract extension for Robinson. He can sign an extension that is four years and $50 million, according to a February 7 story in The New York Post.
If Robinson does hit the market on July 1 as an unrestricted free agent, he could a deal in the neighborhood of three years and $33 million, according to an NBA general manager who discussed Robinson with Heavy NBA editor Sean Deveney.
But Robinson is not the only member of the starting five eligible for a new contract this summer.
Barrett Is Extension Eligible
Former third overall pick RJ Barrett will be eligible for a rookie-based extension this summer, as he prepares to enter the final season on his rookie deal.
And if he signs one, he’ll be the first Knicks rookie to sign a second multi-year contract with the team since Charlie Ward did it in 1999.
Barrett, when recently asked if he’d put any thought to being the one that breaks “the curse,” maintained his hopes of signing an extension with the team this summer:
“Hundred percent.”
— RJ Barrett on whether he wants to be the first Knicks draft pick to sign a multiyear contract with New York after his rookie deal since Charlie Ward, who was drafted in 1994. Barrett is extension eligible this summer.
Based on how he’s played since the calendar turned in 2022, it’s safe to say the Knicks are hopeful he will, too.
Over that span (30 games), Barrett’s averaging 23.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game.
That includes seven games with 30+ points and a four-game absence due to an ankle injury.
Barrett has been on an absolute tear, providing further argument as to why the New York Knicks should waste no time in offering him a new contract.
Mitchell Robinson, on the other hand, has been equally active — just on Twitter.
READ NEXT: RJ Barrett Responds to Skepticism About Knicks Future
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Knicks Disgruntled Starter Likes Tweet Calling for His Job