Knicks may land $30 million Wizards center in Mitchell Robinson swap, per report

The New York Knicks and five-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns have been dominant in 2024-25, though the center rotation behind Towns has remained iffy.

Despite their uncertain frontcourt core, the Knicks have attained a 30-16 record and the Eastern Conference’s No. 3 seed. Even with Towns and superstar point guard Jalen Brunson being the driving force behind New York’s amazing run as they reach the mid-season mark, adding a backup center should be one of the Knicks’ main focuses prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

In fact, recent reports have indicated that New York could put together a package including the injury-prone Mitchell Robinson to land a valued veteran center from the Washington Wizards, Jonas Valančiūnas.

“Alternatively, the Knicks could swap center Mitchell Robinson for Valančiūnas if they don’t believe in Robinson’s ability to stay healthy for a playoff run — a move that would also reduce their luxury tax bill,” wrote ESPN’s Kevin Pelton on Monday morning.

“A reserve role hasn’t changed Valančiūnas’ typical production. He’s a powerful post scorer who has the ability to stretch the floor at times, although he has taken fewer 3s (23 in 43 games) and made them at just a 22% clip in Washington.”

“Valančiūnas is a career 34% 3-point shooter who can make opponents pay if they ignore him entirely on the perimeter.”

At 32 years old, Valančiūnas is a respected and capable center that would help a contending team, which he proved as a member of the Toronto Raptors from 2012-2018.

The burly 6-foot-11 force is known for his stellar rebounding ability and polished offensive skillset, which includes his ability to space out to the three-point line.

In only 19.6 minutes for Washington this season, Valančiūnas is contributing 11.8 points and 8.1 rebounds, making him a coveted frontcourt option in the trade market.

By acquiring Valančiūnas as a career 34.5% three-point shooter to back Towns, New York would land another capable distance threat from the center position. Valančiūnas still can also rumble his way to the basket, which usually either ends in a soft baby hook or a trip to the free-throw line, where he’s knocking down a 89.4% of his attempts.

While the Lithuanian big may not come into New York setting the world on fire with his scoring ability, he would definitely add a punch to their bench unit which ranks dead-last in the NBA in scoring with an average of 20.6 points.

If they were to part with Robinson, New York would finally open another roster spot which has ritually been reserved for the 26-year-old, though he’s missed roughly 35% of his possible contests in six seasons as a member of the team.

On the other hand, Valančiūnas has participated in every one of Washington’s 44 games this season after appearing in all 82 games for the team in 2023-24.