With the recent additions of Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby, the New York Knicks are treading a fine line with their total cap space.
Presently, they have allocated $225 million in total salary and are just $6 million shy of the first luxury tax apron. To secure Isaiah Hartenstein’s extension, they need to be $16.9 million away from the second apron. It is becoming increasingly evident that the Knicks will struggle to retain Hartenstein without making further adjustments.
The most straightforward method for the Knicks to free up enough funds for Hartenstein is to consider trading Mitchell Robinson. Robinson is set to earn $14.3 million next season, in the third year of his four-year, $60 million contract.
This sum would cover the majority of Hartenstein’s potential contract, which is expected to be around $18 million per season. Although Hartenstein is likely to receive offers exceeding the $16.4 million per season the Knicks can offer through his Early Bird Rights, there are strategic ways to enhance their financial position.
Trading Robinson could be a wise move for the New York Knicks, given his injury history. He has only played over 70 games once in his career. Last season, he appeared in just 31 games, averaging 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks, and was sidelined after only six playoff appearances due to injury. While Robinson excels in rebounding and defense when healthy, his availability remains a concern, complicating the Knicks’ reliance on him for a championship pursuit.
In contrast, Hartenstein has demonstrated superior playmaking skills from the center position and has shown remarkable durability, playing 75 games or more in two consecutive NBA seasons. Last season, he averaged 7.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks. His performance justifies his anticipated free agency value, and his synergy with the Knicks’ key players is outstanding.