REPORT: Knicks still open to extending Mitchell Robinson before the start of the season

The Knicks have been handing out contracts all summer, even extending their star, Julius Randle for four more years. But there is another big man who could be a free agent next offseason and has yet to receive an extension: Mitchell Robinson.

But that, too, might change. According to a recent article by Marc Berman, the Knicks are still open to extending their young center.

According to an NBA source, Knicks president Leon Rose is now open to a contract extension for the 23-year-old Robinson before the Oct. 20 season opener “as long as it’s not crazy.”

The Knicks have already re-signed Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson for multiple seasons, and rookie Jericho Sims impressed in Summer League, so is there even a need to extend Mitch?

I say yes. Robinson is one of the most physically impressive centers in the league when healthy, and he offers dimensions to the Knicks offense and defense that Noel simply doesn’t. Nerlens is the backup, Taj is the veteran mentor/injury insurance, and Jericho gets much-needed seasoning in the G League this season.

Berman also notes that Robinson spent much of the past month training with Knicks coaches, including big man whisperer Kenny Payne, in Las Vegas. Mitch certainly believes in the results.

I’m a long-time Mitchell Robinson believer, and I would love it if the Knicks could come to an agreement to keep him in the orange and blue for the near future.