Knicks Center Search Intensifies: Missi Trade Window Opens, Richards Nears Miami
With training camp roughly a month away, the New York Knicks are still working to fill the frontcourt void left by Mitchell Robinson's departure to the Boston Celtics. Recent developments suggest the team may be closer to a solution, though not without complications. A free-agent signing by the New Orleans Pelicans has reportedly made young center Yves Missi available, while a top free-agent target, Nick Richards, appears headed to a division rival.
According to a report from Sportsnaut, the Pelicans' agreement with guard Benedict Mathurin on a two-year, $16 million deal may force a corresponding move to create roster space and luxury tax relief. NBA insider Shamit Dua of InTheNo.Net said, "I'm told to expect a small corresponding move from the Pelicans to open up some space under the luxury tax and create a roster spot for Benn Mathurin. Keep an eye on that September 8th date." That date is significant because it marks the first day teams can trade players signed during the offseason, making a Missi trade more feasible.
Missi, the 2024 first-round pick, is earning just over $3.5 million for the 2026-27 season and has a $5.6 million team option for 2027-28. His salary would fit neatly into the Knicks' cap constraints as they hover near the second tax apron. The Knicks reportedly inquired about Missi earlier this summer but were turned away. With the Pelicans now needing to trim payroll, New York might renew its pursuit, possibly offering future second-round picks.
Meanwhile, the center market is thinning. NBA insider Jake Fischer said on the Bleacher Report livestream that he expects free-agent center Nick Richards to sign with the Miami Heat. "They have been connected to Nick Richards for some time," Fischer said. "I do expect Nick Richards to be with Miami at this point in time, barring some other change." Richards, 28, had been on the Knicks' radar as an affordable backup behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond. But Miami's pursuit, including workouts with Heat players and wearing team gear, has given them the edge.
Why the Knicks Need Another Center
The defending NBA champions lost a key rotational piece when Mitchell Robinson signed a multi-year deal with the Boston Celtics. Robinson provided elite rim protection, rebounding, and lob threat energy off the bench. His departure left a gap that the Knicks have only partially filled with the signing of two-time All-Star Andre Drummond.
Drummond, while a proven rebounder and interior presence, is 33 years old and not the same defensive anchor he once was. The Knicks have been searching for additional frontcourt depth to insure against injuries and foul trouble, especially with Karl-Anthony Towns as the primary starter.
The team's front office pursued veteran Jonas Valanciunas in free agency but failed to land him. They also reportedly checked in on Missi but were initially rebuffed. Now, with the Pelicans' financial situation shifting, Missi has emerged as a viable, low-cost option that would not push the Knicks over the second apron.
Missi, a 6-foot-11 center, offers similar traits to Robinson: he's an athletic lob threat, a solid rebounder, and a developing defender. His free-throw shooting is a weakness, but he would come at a fraction of the cost of other available centers. The Knicks could acquire him without sacrificing significant assets, potentially sending second-round picks to New Orleans.
Richards to Miami: A Blow to Knicks' Plans
The expected signing of Nick Richards by the Miami Heat is a setback for the Knicks. Richards, who played for the Chicago Bulls last season, was considered one of the more realistic affordable options. He brings size, rebounding, and a traditional rim-running style that would have complemented the Knicks' bench unit.
Miami's roster currently has 13 players on standard contracts, with a clear opening in the frontcourt behind Bam Adebayo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Bobby Portis. Richards' familiarity with Heat players and the organization, plus the promise of a defined role, made Miami the likely landing spot.
For the Knicks, losing Richards narrows their options. They could pivot fully to Missi, or look at other potential trade targets as the offseason winds down. The team has kept roster spots open, indicating they are waiting for the right opportunity rather than settling for a mediocre addition.
The Financial Tightrope: Staying Under the Second Apron
The Knicks' pursuit of a center is complicated by their proximity to the second tax apron, a threshold that carries severe penalties for teams that exceed it. Owner James Dolan has made clear his preference to avoid that territory, which restricts trades, signings, and the ability to aggregate salaries.
Adding a player like Missi, whose salary is minimal, would allow the Knicks to stay under the apron while upgrading their depth. The same cannot be said for many other potential acquisitions, making Missi a particularly attractive target.
The Pelicans' need to shed salary could align perfectly with the Knicks' constraints. A trade involving second-round picks would be a minimal cost for a player who could provide value immediately and in the future.
Insiders Doubt Major Shakeup, But Smaller Moves Likely
ESPN recently asked its NBA insiders whether the Knicks would make major moves before the trade deadline if they started slowly. The consensus was no, with insiders noting that a team coming off a championship deserves a chance to defend its title. "It's hard to envision them making a big-time move to tinker with a team that just ran through the playoffs to win a title… It feels like this team will be given the chance to go for a repeat in an era where that doesn't happen very often," one insider said.
However, that doesn't preclude smaller moves like adding a backup center. The Knicks have shown a willingness to make calculated roster adjustments, as evidenced by their acquisition of Jose Alvarado before last season's trade deadline. A similar move to secure a center now would be consistent with that approach.
Additionally, the Knicks must consider Jalen Brunson's potential extension, which could be worth up to $254 million over four years if signed early. That financial commitment looms large over any roster decision, making it even more imperative to find cost-effective solutions.
What's Next for the Knicks?
As the September 8th date approaches, all eyes will be on the Pelicans. If they make a corresponding move to free up space, Missi could become available. The Knicks would likely be among the first teams to call.
If the Missi trade doesn't materialize, the Knicks may have to explore other avenues, perhaps waiting for the buyout market or looking at veterans who become available later in the season. But with the roster currently light in the frontcourt, they need a solution soon.
The Knicks' championship aspirations depend on maintaining depth. Losing Robinson was a significant blow, but the front office has time to address it. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether they enter the season with a complete roster or a temporary patch.
The broader trend across the NBA is that teams are becoming more cautious with spending, especially with the new collective bargaining agreement penalizing luxury tax repeat offenders. The Knicks are a prime example of this, balancing the desire to compete with the need to maintain financial flexibility.
For fans, the hope is that the front office can pull off a low-cost, high-reward addition. Missi fits that mold perfectly. Richards would have too, but he appears lost to Miami. The coming days will reveal whether the Knicks can adapt and find another piece to solidify their title defense.
For more on how the Knicks' situation compares to other teams' injury and roster management issues, see our piece on Cameron Fens Eligibility Ruling: UNC Center Cleared as NCAA Chaos Mounts. And for a look at how other leagues handle mid-season disruptions, check out Turbulence in the News: From Flight Safety to Political and Cultural Bumps.
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