The New York Knicks have now been linked to Washington Wizards big man Jonas Valančiūnas, with SNY’s Ian Begley providing a report Wednesday.
Valančiūnas has averaged 11.6 points on 55.8 percent shooting and 8.1 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game this season for the Washington Wizards, who signed the 32-year-old to a three-year, $30.3 million contract last offseason.
The report drops amid the Lakers’ continued reported interest in Valančiūnas.
Michael A. Scotto of HoopsHype reported on Dec. 31 that “the Lakers will continue to try and acquire Wizards center Jonas Valančiūnas or another backup center on the trade market with their remaining future second-round draft capital, and Gabe Vincent is expected to be dangled in talks as well, league sources told HoopsHype.”
Begley connected the 13-year NBA veteran and the Knicks amid New York waiting for the return of big man Mitchell Robinson, who has been out since last year’s playoffs. The 26-year-old had ankle procedures in Dec. 2023 and May 2024.
In 31 games last year (21 starts), Robinson averaged 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks over 24.8 minutes per contest.
New York could use more frontcourt depth behind superstar big man Karl-Anthony Towns, so Robinson would be a welcome sight if he does in fact return in early February if the team’s “solid belief” that Begley cited comes to fruition.
There have been some trade rumblings, though. Begley reported this on Jan. 3.
“Several teams have been inquiring about Robinson’s health. So that tells you that teams would have interest in trading for Robinson if they knew he was going to be healthy. When healthy, Robinson is one of the best offensive rebounders in the NBA. The 26-year-old is under contract through next season. So it makes sense that he would have trade strong trade value if healthy.
“But the three teams I’ve talked to recently didn’t have clarity on Robinson’s health.”
Robinson has one year left on his deal ($12.9 million) before becoming a free agent in 2026. That contract would certainly be palatable for other teams to take on, and he’s an impressive rebounder and defender as well.
Of course, the Knicks could use more help, though, particularly on defense. New York sits third in the Eastern Conference, but the team is just 17th in defensive efficiency, per Basketball-Reference.
Ultimately, the Knicks should be getting some reinforcements down low in early February, whether it’s via Robinson returning or the team acquiring a big man (perhaps Valančiūnas) by the Feb. 6 trade deadline
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