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CLEVELAND, Ohio Just weeks after helping deliver a long-awaited championship to New York, Mitchell Robinson is on the move.
The veteran center has agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million contract with the Boston Celtics, according to ESPNs Shams Charania, ending an eight-year run with the Knicks that concluded with the franchises first NBA title in more than five decades.
The deal includes a player option in the third season and marks a significant payday for one of the leagues premier rebounders and interior defenders.
Robinsons departure signals that the Knicks will not entirely run their 2026 championship team back next season.
Despite his importance to the teams identity, the move had been widely expected as New York navigated salary cap constraintsspecifically owner James Dolans stated goal of remaining under the second apron.
After re-signing key contributors and adding depth pieces early in free agency, the Knicks were left without the financial flexibility to match the type of offer Robinson commanded on the open market.
For Boston, the addition brings a proven, high-impact big man into the fold.
Robinson, 28, has built a reputation as an elite offensive rebounder and rim protector, averaging 7.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks over 23.4 minutes per game across his career.
He finished near the top of the league in offensive boards again last season, grabbing 4.2 per game, while also posting a steal rate in the 95th percentile among big men.
Originally selected by the Knicks with the No.
36 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, Robinson developed from a raw, high-upside shot blocker into a foundational piece of the franchises resurgence.
A former five-star recruit who bypassed college basketball after withdrawing from Western Kentucky, Robinson made an immediate impression in New York with his athleticism, shot-blocking instincts and efficiency around the rim.
He became historically efficient as a scorer, setting an NBA single-season record by shooting 74.2 percent from the field in 2019-20.
Over time, he joined a small group of playersincluding former Celtic Robert Williams III and Daniel Gaffordto shoot at least 70 percent from the field over more than 5,000 career minutes.
Under head coach Tom Thibodeau, Robinsons role expanded as the Knicks began to climb back into playoff relevance.
His rim protection anchored a top-tier defense, while his relentless work on the glassparticularly on the offensive endhelped New York consistently win the possession battle.
Those traits became synonymous with the rugged, physical identity the Knicks established alongside teammates such as Julius Randle, R.J.
Barrett, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby.
That identity carried into the postseason, most notably in the 2023 playoffs when the Knicks overwhelmed opponents with their physicality in the paint.
Robinson frequently set the tone, dominating the boards and discouraging drives with his interior presence.
Still, Robinsons tenure in New York was often disrupted by injuries.
He topped 70 games just once in eight seasons and dealt with recurring issues, particularly involving his left ankle.
A significant injury in December 2023 required surgery and threatened to sideline him for the season, though he ultimately returned late in the year to help New York secure a 50-win campaign.
Further setbacks followed in the postseason, including a reaggravation against Philadelphia and additional surgery, forcing him to miss extended time.
The Knicks adjusted his workload under new head coach Mike Brown, implementing a load management plan that limited back-to-back appearances.
The strategy paid off, as Robinson appeared in 60 games during the 2025-26 regular seasonhis healthiest campaign in yearsand played a key role off the bench.
His contributions proved critical throughout the Knicks championship run.
Robinson delivered timely defense, second-chance opportunities and several pivotal moments, including late-game stops, rebounds and holding his own against Victor Wembanyama in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs.
His final act in a Knicks uniform was perhaps his most importantsecuring an offensive rebound off a missed free throw with just over 26 seconds remaining in Game 5, effectively sealing the championship.
For Robinson, the title was the culmination of a long journey that spanned the franchises lowest and highest points.
I have been here when we had won 17 games, we won [54] games, and to finally be able to get it done in 2026 ..
its just been amazing, Robinson said after the win.
This is an amazing feeling.
Now, both sides turn the page.
The Knicks must replace his presence behind Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt while continuing to manage financial constraints as defending champions.
Meanwhile, Boston adds a battle-tested big man with championship experience, elite efficiency and a knack for game-changing plays on the glass.
Robinson leaves New York not only as its longest-tenured player during the title run, but as a central figure in the teams transformation from rebuilding to NBA champion.
The Knicks will look noticeably different without him.