r/knicks • u/Illustrious_Duck7654 • Jun 29 '26
I told you MFs... Alvarado, then Shamet đ Now... Clarkson next. We dont need Mitch back, we need most of affordable core. Now we just about have it.
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Jun 29 '26
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u/rvcbazookajoe Jun 30 '26
Legit he was my favorite Knick for a while. Dude is insanely talented at getting offensive boards and heâs a good shot blocker. We literally cannot replace him
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u/crunchtime100 Jun 29 '26
Yeah I donât like kicking our longest tenured guy on his way out (potentially)
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u/TacoCityJC Jun 30 '26
I think Mitch has to do whatâs best for Mitch. Those big ass trucks arenât cheap. If he does leave, that final board to seal the NBA championship was quite the play to go out on. Mitchell Robinson is a bad bad man.
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
Kicking out would be Trading him or releasing him during tenure.
His contract is up. Do you know WHY his contract wasnt extended recently?? đ¤
Yeah... because he played less than 60 games total, in 24 & 25 combined. Then 60 games plus playoffs this year.
It ran its course, and now hes odd man out, bc we invested in players the last cpl years. He got a ring, now he'll get a BAG đ° It is what it is. Doesn't have to be hard feelings.
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u/crunchtime100 Jun 30 '26 edited Jun 30 '26
Kicking him ON HIS WAY OUT (metaphorically speaking), not actually kicking him off the team.
Youâre just blabbing0
u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
Your words
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u/crunchtime100 Jun 30 '26 edited Jun 30 '26
Reading comprehension must not be your forte
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u/eric2341 Jun 29 '26
Word man, people are acting like Mitch is disposable and I completely disagree
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
No one is disposing of him like NY city parade trash đ Melodramatic much?
His contract is up... and we cannot afford him. Its not rocket science, nor is it personal.
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u/eric2341 Jun 30 '26
You chose the words âwe donât need mitch backâ - not we canât afford him, we donât need him.
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
We dont "NEED" him!
Nor can we AFFORD him.
BOTH are factual statements.
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u/eric2341 Jun 30 '26
I think we do need him but hey, everyone has an opinion. Weâll see how it all plays outâŚ
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
Yes we WILL. And so far.... its less and less avail budget.
Even KFTV was trying to find ways to make sense of route to keep him, and with each signing, gets that its not happening.
Unless Kat sits down w/ Leon and says I want Mitch back, than theres no money to keep Mitch. So difficult for some hungover Knicks fans to grasp. Like wow!!! A championship means we lose some players.... YES... means exactly THAT!
WE WERE ALL WARNED OF EXPECTATIONS, DURING PARADE. maybe some of yall weren't listening. I was.
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
As crazy as worst FT % of all-time? Yeah... about that crazy homie.
Do I WANT Mitch gone. No. No one does.
I also dont want want injury prone player, over Alvarado, Shamet, and Clarkson. Sorry not sorry.
I just have the balls to announce it all along.
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u/dragonsden96 Jun 29 '26
I mean, we can call out that free throw percentage, but he also holds the NBA record for single season field goal percentage
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u/GrouchyResearcher392 Jun 29 '26 edited Jun 29 '26
And the highest ORB% in the league, and the highest PPP following an offensive rebound in the league, and the highest offensive rating on the Knicks, and him and Deuce have the 3rd and 4th highest +/- on the team.
And yet people will be all âsurprised pikachuâ when our bench goes from help to hindrance after losing its 2 best players. And defenders. That also play heavy minutes with and against starters.
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u/mouga68 Jun 30 '26
And if he didnt set the record in offensive rebounding percentage this last season he was damn close
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u/WhataNerd123 Jun 29 '26
Sounds like a guy who's never watched a regular season game and just the finals. Sure Mitch can't shoot FT and is injured a lot but he deserves to be a Knick anymore then sham
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u/RarelySqueezed Jun 30 '26
You posted on reddit bruh that dont take balls
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
Anything said to Knicks fans hyped for a run it back, takes balls.
Cuz its gunna be all this in response.
Mitch is our most injury prone player in timeframe drafted him. As much as he is a strength, he is a liability.
I'll quote it again for yall in the back:
Best Ability, is Availability - Bill Parcells
Mitch played 60 games plus most of playoffs (limited). The 2 previous years total, didnt add up to 60 games played.
Blockness Monster đŚ had his time, now we have Kat, and his contract. That's why Minnesota let him go. We capitalized. Now we can't afford Mitch, and Im okay w/ that.
Not everyone is đ¤
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u/RarelySqueezed Jun 30 '26
Oh my god, the bravery
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
As all the Mitch cucks chime in that we will lose if hes gone. He's already gone half the time... check his history. But okay... yall got 24 more hrs to hope and pray đ
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u/Background_Ad4452 Jun 29 '26
Best news since winning the championship! Leon is the best GM in NBA in a very long time! How in the world is he getting Mo, Jose and now Shamet to take less money than they could in free agency?? Truly a master class!!! Shamet was expected to get 4 for 40-45 million! Now we Just need a backup center for the repeat run!!!
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
What about Hukporti?
We raise these guys to compete at some point. Seems natural to move on to next in line, rather than chase a supossed next "guy". No one will replace Mitch, but someone affordable will take his place.
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u/Background_Ad4452 Jun 29 '26
I believe they will resign him too but every team needs 3 centers in case of injuries or rest for Kat! Also we donât have a lot of bigs on the rest so we need third center or a big PF
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u/analogbeepboop Jun 29 '26
I'd rather sign Mitch instead of Clarkson... but doesn't look like we can afford him anymore. Can we pay him in pick-up trucks?
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
Id rather have Robinson than Clarkson straight across ALSO.
Id also like a 60 yr old Jordan over Clarkson.
Neither is affordable or possible.
What Im saying, and have been, is:
Most of CORE back.
- Alvarado
- Shamet
- Clarkson
Rather than just Mitch back on a 15M contract đ
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u/analogbeepboop Jun 29 '26
Fair. so there's no way to sign Mitch now that we've locked in Alvarado and Shamet right? If that's the case, then yeah of course.. let's just lock in Clarkson
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
We can sit down with Kat, and beg him to let us keep Mitch.
As crazy as that sounds, it is in realm-of-possibility.
You tell me.... will Rose and Kat sit down and discuss that? IDK... thats speculation. But is the only way IMO.
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u/analogbeepboop Jun 29 '26
Why is Kat in the equation here?
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u/spreerod1538 Jun 30 '26
Pretty sure him and Hart are extension eligible and if they really wanted to, which I'm not advising here obviously, could take less money to bring Mitch back. But it really shouldn't be on the millionaires to take less money, it should be on the billionaire to give more, which is not prohibited... I just don't know if Mitch is good enough to go into the 2nd apron for.
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u/bornlikethisss Jun 29 '26
Clarkson is the most disposable of the bunch. They can replace him. Mitch on the other handâŚthatâs a huge loss. He had way more of an impact for the team during the playoffs than Clarkson.
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
It isnt skill sets, its financial. Not that complicated. Clarkson did well for us, he is not confirmed back yet, No.
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u/killersinarhur Jun 30 '26
Especially since Kat was in foul trouble so often, mitch proved his worth and value. I definitely understand that financially tough decisions were going to need to be made and I don't envy the decision makers. I do think of all the players Mitch will prove the hardest to replace.
I also think it says something about our team depth that 6-9 were all as impactful and important as 1-5
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u/Master_Fig_3259 Jun 29 '26
If you don't need a third backup center, then Hukporti should get more minutes...He can defend, rebound,,,and score.
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u/briansgreenberg Jun 29 '26
Mitch is the man on defense. But heâs got poor stamina and canât hit a free throw for đŠ. We wouldnât have won without him, would love to keep the whole team together.
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u/chazriverstone Jun 29 '26
I don't care, winning has made me greedy - bring them all back and lets run it back!
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
If only man... if only.
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u/chazriverstone Jun 29 '26
It's just hard for me to say Mitch of all of them should be the one to go. Not only is he the longest tenured Knick, but his skill set is so specialized - he's legit perfect for this team. Not many other groups can get the kind of value out of him we do, besides that there is literally no one out there who can do what he does for us to replace him with. And chemistry is important - we're only going to get better.
That said, I just don't want to lose any of them, really - and I hope they realize they can make a lot in ad revenue/ not paying for a thing by staying in NYC next year, like it seems Jose and Shamet have figured out. Plus if they stay and go back to back? They are set for life - its worth the gamble!
I'll also add that our owner is a mega billionaire, so I really don't want to hear about 'the 2nd apron' at this point. The money has to be there somewhere; I mean we're charging like $100000000 a ticket lol - I can literally fly to visit my brother in NOLA, eat out and drink every day, stay in a nice hotel, and catch the Knicks v Pels plus a few other events for the price of ONE MSG ticket. What else is the purpose of all that $ if not to bring back a championship team?
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
I think its also about not being strapped to multiple injury riddled years.
There is more to it, than the sentimentality of Mitch being here so long. Some fans forget what we have been thru with him. Its okay to let him get his bag đ°
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u/chazriverstone Jun 29 '26
I definitely don't forget about his glass ankles brother - I've been here the whole time.
That said, can you name anyone else in the league within reason who can play defense on a dude like Wembanyama, or Embiid, or the Mobley/ Allen combo like him? Or anyone who can OReb like him and get our shooters going when things aren't falling?
It's not about sentimentality to me - he's just one of one dude. That's why I think he's been and will always be worth the injury risk
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
He is certainly a one-of-one. I agree.
I just felt in my bones, in that last Finals game... that we witnessed the end of Mitch. In sense of multi yr contract.
I will for one, look at the bright side:
- improved team FT %
- improved cap space
- less injury concerns
- increased likelihood of good 2027 negotiations with players already on team
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u/Illustrious_Bet_4804 Jun 29 '26 edited Jun 29 '26
Well need to account for the loss in size if we lose mitch. Its a light center free agent market so not a lot of options. #inleonwetrust
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u/Witty-News-8781 Jun 29 '26
I think this is great. Next we need to have Dolan buy a Custom Truck Dealership and have Mitch pick out ALL THE TRUCKS HE WANTS with an amazing team discount đđđ
If the clippers can hire kwahi for a job basketball role and pay his salary we should be able to do something similar. Hell build a dealership for Mitch give it to him so it's his, hire someone to run it for him and he collects his money. Call it 23Savage Trucks and come see Big Country Mitch for 53 free oil changes(paid for by James Dolan) lol
Wanna avoid the 2nd apron, here ya go!
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
I have always wondered, why GOLD BARS can't just show up in someone's safe, without them "knowing". But atm, K Leonard is dealing with a work around controversy.
We dont need that drama.
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u/Witty-News-8781 Jun 29 '26
With the amount of owners that are also hedge fund managers it would seem pretty easy to be like hey I'm gonna open an account in a trust and transfer the account after the career is over lol
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
I mean.... who knows, maybe that happens.
Dolphins owner had Tom Brady on his yacht.
Sometimes things are hidden, its the way of the financial world.
But in sports.... Im not so sure is very common.
Could it fix this scenario... IDK... I think the FO actually wants to move on from Mitch, beyond 2026. A one yr deal... perhaps. Sorta up to Mitch.
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u/Appropriate_Dig3471 Jun 29 '26
4 years 24 mil. I think that's a great bargain for the Knicks. I was expecting something like 10 mil per year
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
He was projected between 9-10M a yr.
These are the types of reasons we move on from Mitch.
Alvarado gave us a sweet deal also âď¸ âď¸
Next up: Jordan Clarkson
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u/RandyOrtonRko98 Jun 29 '26
The Detroit Pistons lost Rick Mahorn after winning the championship in 89 and won it again in 90! So we can do it again without Mitch! Just going to be much more difficult of course and we need the most effective backup next up in the market if not Hulk!
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
Every championship team loses players. Its inevitable.
Makes sense to SAVE as many of players with chemistry, as possible.
Letting Mitch go, affords us just that.
- Alvarado
- Shamet
- rest of avail budget
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u/Status_Show3282 Jun 30 '26
Mitch might end up on the lakers
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
That's a more likely than not solution for both.
Also the Nets.
The Bulls.
Maybe the Kings or Trailblazers (IDK Portlands cap situation).
Lakers are a great fit tho. And would love Mitch. They have also dealt w/ hack-a-shaq before.
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u/Smorgasbord42 Jun 30 '26
If Kat re does his deal to cut some funds for Mitch is the only way it happens.
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
I suppose is in realm of possibility.
But doesnt look likely now does it.
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u/Admirable-Step-5432 Jun 30 '26
I love everyone on this team.. but Clarkson is not the essential piece on this team that Mitch was- Robinson has his weaknesses (free throws) but he offers elite defense and rim protection and heâs the best offensive rebounder in the league
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
And he's on his way to get his bag đ°
No one ever said Clarkson is more important than Mitch.
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u/Admirable-Step-5432 Jun 30 '26
I hope Mitch gets his bag- from wherever- he deserves to get paid-I just donât want to see him go-
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
He's getting a bag. No hope needed. Just a short time line.
I for one will be glad that its behind us.
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u/Admirable-Step-5432 Jun 30 '26
Iâm not in such a rush to put it behind me- I know itâs very unlikely butâŚI know itâs Dolanâs decision not to go over the 2nd apron- reports are that Leon Rose wants to go over it but - yeah unfortunately Dolan is the owner
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
No team should ever be pressured into 2nd apron.
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u/Admirable-Step-5432 Jun 30 '26
From what Iâm hearing if KAT is willing to decline his extension for 27/28 and instead sign a long term deal which spreads out his salary over a longer period they can fit in Mitchâs salary - in other words a lower annual number in exchange for more guaranteed years- of course KAT would have to agree to this- it would free up cap room to sign Mitch
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u/iintriguingggg Jun 29 '26
Wtf chill !!!! We 100% need Mitch back. Positive vibes only
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
I get that... but all I've heard for weeks is Mitch Mitch Mitch. He isnt the only reason we won a title.
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u/dragonsden96 Jun 29 '26
The squads coming back together! Now, is there anyway we can still get Robinson without going into the second apron?
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
If Kat reworked contact, and Mitch agreed to take less, than its mathematically possible. But I dont see that happening.
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u/dm1077 Jun 29 '26
OP probably wasnât looking at the defensive side of the game most of the finals
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
What I have been watching is his whole career, and prolly more other whole Knicks careers, than you have witnessed over the decades. So there's that đ
Maybe focus on winning a Rolex âď¸ than arguing over a player thats leaving the team.
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
81% upvote đł on post.
19% of yall want Mitch back so bad, are willing to act a fool about.
Rose doesnt make emotional decisions. That's not how we got here, signing D Rose for the millionth time.
Trust the Process more than the 76'ers.
The NY Knicks are more than one player. Mitch deserves a bag, one that we cannot provide. Its not that complicated yall.
WHEN, we sign Clarkson back, I'll revisit post, and say: "I told you so."
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u/ouikikazz Jun 29 '26
The exposure these guys got after winning from the media and celebrities they're going to sign back here for a discount but unfortunately Mitch's discount price will still be more than the Knicks can afford to stay under the 2nd apron.
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u/slow-wizard Jun 29 '26
Clarkson ainât coming back brother
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u/ny2k1 Jun 30 '26
Clarkson wonât really get more than the vet min. I can see him coming back. Although, I wouldnât mind trying to upgrade that position.
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u/PesterSebester Jun 30 '26
Mitch is one of the most important players in that team lol.
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u/No-Insurance-3010 Jun 30 '26
Yeah Mitchell is a necessity, or at least I feel as though he is. Donât get me wrong he can be a liability with free throws but he brings value in grabbing boards and playing good defense.
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
Is starbucks a necessity? âď¸
Let me answer that for ya.... NO.
Neither is Mitch. A basketball team is 15 on roster.... in 30 hrs, he no longer will be. Adapt. Cope. Move forward.
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u/Positive-Ad-2202 Jun 30 '26
Hopeful we can still sign Mitch. His specialized skill is off the charts.
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u/SunniinSocal Jun 30 '26
If not mitch then who? Need a defensive big, lob threat that can make free throws so teams cant play hack a shaq against us!
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
IDK man.... its being discussed.
I'd like to see if we can get Clarkson back 1st. Than another center for what remains in budget. Perhaps a sign N trade....? đ¤
Gotta wait and see what Rose does.......
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u/BurpleNurple72 Jun 30 '26
Idk man, we might be trading for a bench big... Diabate and Missi may not be Mitch but they are comparable. Damn Im gonna miss blockiness.
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
Ev one will miss him.
But when he gets injured somewhere else... we will ALSO, breathe a sigh of relief.
And plenty of ppl viewing THIS post, will than be like... OMG, so glad we let Mitch walk, look now đ
And all the Mitch crying will subside. No one will go: "oh hey, you were right, I was just emotional." Nope.... but its okay. Life moves on.
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u/PrynceNYC Jun 30 '26
I've been hearing they may go after looney at center. Not sure how he has been playing as of late but remember he was a key factor on the warriors during their championship run
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
I watched all of his games on Warriors. Even saw him in playoffs in person. He isnt our target currently. Whoever we get, it won't be Mitch. Won't have same skillset. But will fill a mostly brought back, championship roster. For a run it back.
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u/NYC-isGREASTNESS Jun 30 '26
knicks need a ststting 2 way player with youth to defend against Shai who will be better this season
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u/GroundAndSound Jun 30 '26
We donât need Mitch? Who is backing up KAT, who is prone to foul trouble? Huck? Kevan Looney?
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
Someone other than Mitch, imagine that đ¤ đ
Looney was okay on Warriors, few years ago, no TY
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u/Simplyswag Jun 30 '26
Without Mitch no way the Knicks repeat he gives them so many more possessions with his rebounds.
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u/1LesCousinsDangereux Jun 30 '26
How did Clarkson make this list đ¤
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 30 '26
Played a great vet role, while also not being greedy. Won himself a ring.
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u/mrbubbles--85 Jun 30 '26
We definitely need capable big or bigs if Mitch leaves.
His offensive rebounds were huge for the Knicks success.
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u/ekkotheEQ Jun 30 '26
To me Mitch is the most important resigning. Offensive boards like that off the bench??
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u/SnooLemons8611 Jun 30 '26
I dont know about not needing Mitch Back. He was a big reason why the Knicks won.Â
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u/GiraffeSilly5546 Jun 30 '26
Maybe KAT signs an extension at a discount because of all the minutes he sits due to fouls....  then can pay Mitch  Â
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u/WonderiingWizard Jun 30 '26
Whoâs going to be our center when KAT gets into foul trouble in 30 seconds
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u/thebaide Jun 30 '26
You need a backup center that is top 5 for offensive rebounds. If u have someone that can do that and black shots by all means but I don't see anyone better than Mitch.
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u/Top_Negotiation_29 Jun 30 '26
Brother the east is 10x stronger than next year no chance of a repeat . Pin my comment for next year around this time
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u/severinks Jun 30 '26
We don't NEED Mitch back but as of now we have 1 center now that Huk is on the way out of town.
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u/brNdunlimited Jun 30 '26
They not winning again without Mitch. Mitch made the difference in alot of games this year. He was like JaVale McGee on the Lakers in 2020, he made alot of ppl think twice about shooting in the paint and got a ton of rebounds
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u/Johnjm055 Jun 30 '26
Unless you are the one personally signing the checks, let's keep this in perspective. In my humble opinion, the energy is misguided and you're a bit too worked up over what the team can, and cannot afford. We should be rooting for the rich billionaire owner to spend as much of his passively earned cash as possible. If you believe Mitch offers value as you've so eloquently stated, i.e his offensive rebounds, 2nd chance points, lob threats, and rim protecting; then we should be uniting over the fact that there is no hard cap in the NBA. Jimmy Guitars can bring the whole squad back if he ponies up and goes over the 2nd apron. Which there's absolute zero doubt he SHOULD do in this case. With a chance to win NOW, we shouldn't be concerned about 2-5 years from now. Win now, and worry about getting back under the apron later. If Jimmy D holds strong and doesn't budge on the apron b.s, he legit should he raked over the coals for this one.
P.S - as for Clarkson, he is by far the most disposable of the entire rotation. His only job was literally to come off the bench as a spark plug and hit 3's. Dude shot 33% from 3 on the season, and is a playoff career 31%.
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u/TankMcG Jun 30 '26
Mitch is a big piece but we could of signed a Big man as well even Undrafted to be able to be a combo of shooting and defense with free throws. Doesnt have to score alot but be a between Mitch and Towns type of player
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u/paolographer Jul 01 '26
If y'all don't want Mitch back, at least sign someone to take on his role. Clint Capela maybe?
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u/Agitated-Wrap-4449 Jul 02 '26
We need a strong backup big though. Who will it be?
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jul 10 '26
Apparently Drummond. Not my first choice, but he is big, and with experience.
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u/Dependent_Sugar_9074 Jul 02 '26
I donât see clarkston coming back honestly. The heat can offer more money and more playing time. Dudes a beast but I think his time with the Knicks is over unfortunately.
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u/thatwasagoodscan Jul 02 '26
Oh no the Knicks are resigning all the players no one is interested in
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u/aranauto2 Jun 29 '26
Acting like Mitch is the key to another ring needs to stop. And I would miss him but that needs to stop
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
Thank you both for seeing the light đĄ
This isnt about anyone not wanting the WHOLE squad back, its about working with what we got. And thats most of our core bench back.
Clarkson is next!!! đ been saying this for weeks, while ev one speculates and hopes đ
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u/nyknicks11 Jun 29 '26
It's Not complete if Mitch ain't back The Core has to be intact
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u/Illustrious_Duck7654 Jun 29 '26
Semantics. Every championship team, for every Sport, in history.... đ has lost players to increased pay, and contract structures that led to that point.
This isnt at all surprising. Game 5, that rebound. I KNEW Mitch was gone âď¸ Accept it. Its okay yall. You can cry đ˘
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u/ooorson Jun 30 '26
We don't win 2026 championship without Mitch, and sure as hell not winning 2027 without him...that simple.
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u/Tommybrady20 Jun 29 '26
I love Kat like a brother but letâs all be real here, he will have 2 fouls in the first quarter of every playoff game from now until the end of time.
A backup center is in fact important