The NBA trade rumor mill never seems to stop turning, and with the trade deadline approaching, speculation about potential moves is reaching a fever pitch. One of the most intriguing potential trade scenarios in recent weeks centers around the New York Knicks and the Washington Wizards. The Knicks, currently vying for a playoff spot in the competitive Eastern Conference, may look to make a move that strengthens their roster. The Wizards, in the midst of a rebuilding phase, could be motivated to move on from certain pieces as they look to reshape their future.
The buzz surrounding a potential trade between the Knicks and Wizards involves the Knicks sending Mitchell Robinson, their talented but sometimes enigmatic center, to Washington in exchange for a former first-round pick, Deni Avdija, who was selected No. 15 overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. On the surface, this trade might seem to be a calculated risk for both sides, but there are compelling reasons why such a deal could benefit both teams.
Why the Knicks Would Consider Trading Mitchell Robinson
Mitchell Robinson has been a key piece of the Knicks’ defense since he was drafted in 2018, but his role with the team has evolved over time. At 7’1″ with elite shot-blocking ability and a penchant for finishing lob passes around the rim, Robinson is a fantastic physical specimen with a lot of raw talent. However, he has struggled with consistency and foul trouble, and the Knicks have shown a growing comfort with small-ball lineups, which has led to less of a focus on traditional centers.
In particular, the rise of Julius Randle and the development of young players like RJ Barrett, combined with Tom Thibodeau’s preference for versatile, positionless basketball, has diminished Robinson’s role. In addition, New York has invested in other frontcourt players like Isaiah Hartenstein, who provides a solid backup option behind Robinson, and the team has even experimented with various small-ball units in a bid to increase offensive spacing.
While Robinson’s defensive abilities remain unquestioned—he’s one of the NBA’s best rim protectors—there are concerns about his offensive game. His limited offensive skill set, particularly his inability to stretch the floor or consistently create his own shots, makes him a somewhat awkward fit alongside other offensive-minded players like Randle and Barrett. The Knicks have to make decisions about their future roster, and trading Robinson, whose contract expires soon and could be a potential cap burden, could provide them with an opportunity to further tweak their roster in a way that maximizes their current playoff push.
Moreover, Robinson is a restricted free agent in the summer of 2025, which could mean the Knicks would need to decide whether to offer him a new contract or let him walk. By trading him now, they avoid the headache of negotiating an extension with Robinson, and they free up cap space for potential future moves.
Why the Wizards Would Consider Trading Deni Avdija
The Washington Wizards are currently in the middle of a rebuild. After the departure of long-time star Bradley Beal, the team has focused on developing younger players, and that has opened the door for some roster changes. Deni Avdija, the former No. 9 overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, has shown flashes of potential but has struggled to find consistent playing time and a definitive role in Washington’s rotation.
Avdija’s time in Washington has been marked by inconsistency. While he has demonstrated solid defensive abilities, his offensive game has been more of a question mark. He has shown an ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, and his versatility as a forward has allowed him to fill various roles for the team. However, he hasn’t yet developed into the player many expected when he was drafted, and it’s clear that Washington might be ready to move on from him in favor of building around other young talents like Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Poole, and other emerging players.
The Wizards may be willing to trade Avdija in exchange for a player like Mitchell Robinson to bolster their frontcourt. Robinson would provide Washington with an elite shot-blocker and a dominant interior presence on both ends of the floor, which they currently lack. His rim protection would be an immediate upgrade for the Wizards, who are currently one of the worst teams in the NBA at defending the paint. Given the uncertainty surrounding Avdija’s development and the need for a more reliable defensive anchor, Robinson could be a player the Wizards target as they look to build a foundation for the future.
The Trade: What Would It Look Like?
In this hypothetical trade scenario, the New York Knicks would send Mitchell Robinson to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Deni Avdija, who was selected 15th overall in 2020. While this trade could have some additional minor pieces involved—such as draft picks or other role players—let’s focus on the two key pieces involved in the deal.
For the Knicks, the acquisition of Avdija would give them a versatile forward who can provide defensive energy and playmaking. At 6’9″, Avdija’s size and ability to guard multiple positions would be a great fit alongside the Knicks’ core. His offensive potential as a forward who can shoot from outside and facilitate offense would provide a dynamic option to complement New York’s current rotation. This would allow the Knicks to continue to experiment with small-ball lineups, particularly with Avdija potentially slotting in as a forward next to Randle or even playing at the small forward position alongside Barrett. Avdija’s development could add another layer to New York’s overall depth, and his youth makes him a good long-term asset as well.
For the Wizards, the addition of Mitchell Robinson could immediately improve their defense. As a shot-blocking and rebounding machine, Robinson would give the Wizards a true center who can anchor their defense, protecting the rim and helping the team become more competitive in a tough Eastern Conference. With the Wizards currently ranking near the bottom in defensive metrics, Robinson would help shore up one of their biggest weaknesses. His rebounding ability would also give them an edge on the glass, an area in which they have struggled in recent seasons. With Robinson’s contract expiring soon, the Wizards would have the flexibility to decide whether to extend him long-term, depending on how he fits with their overall team structure.
A Win-Win Trade?
Ultimately, this trade could benefit both teams in different ways. The Knicks would receive a player who could complement their current roster and add a versatile forward who can develop into a key contributor, while the Wizards would address their defensive shortcomings by acquiring one of the best young shot-blockers in the league.
Mitchell Robinson’s departure could free up playing time for Isaiah Hartenstein or even allow for more experimentation with Julius Randle at the center position in certain matchups. Meanwhile, Deni Avdija’s acquisition would allow New York to continue building a team that can contend in the present while also developing players for the future.
The Washington Wizards would likely benefit from having Robinson on their roster, especially as they look to put together a strong defensive team moving forward. His presence could help accelerate their rebuilding efforts, providing them with a strong defensive anchor as they continue to develop their younger players.
In the end, while there are risks associated with trading away a player of Robinson’s caliber or a former first-round pick like Avdija, this hypothetical trade presents an intriguing option for both teams. It could help the Knicks get more versatile, while the Wizards could address a crucial area of weakness. If both teams make the right adjustments, this trade could lead to a brighter future for both franchises.
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