Knicks predicted to sign $121M 13-year veteran with Finals experience to replace Mitchell Robinson originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The New York Knicks won the NBA championship last season in five games after defeating the San Antonio Spurs. Many people did not give New York much of a chance, as San Antonio was expected to win behind its young core, including Victor Wembanyama.

However, Jalen Brunson stepped up for the Knicks. Mitchell Robinson was also a key contributor, but he decided to sign with the Boston Celtics in free agency.

“Free agent center Mitchell Robinson, fresh off winning an NBA title with the New York Knicks, has agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal to sign with the Boston Celtics, with a player option in the third season, sources tell ESPN's Shams Charania. Robinson was the longest-tenured Knick and one of only two rotation players originally drafted by New York (Miles McBride being the other) who were heavy contributors in their championship run,” ESPN wrote.

This offseason has not been kind to the Knicks when it comes to finding a backup center.

“This has been an offseason of failed center acquisition attempts for the Knicks, with trades and signings gone wrong. Now, they're forced to weigh Backup Plans P-Z after the previous efforts fell short,” SI’s Isaiah De Los Santos wrote.

New York is still looking for a big man this summer, as the team needs more depth at the position. NBA writer Jake Weinbach believes the Knicks could sign veteran Kelly Olynyk.

“The Knicks will likely fill their 14th roster spot by signing a big man to a minimum contract. Kelly Olynyk are among the top remaining centers on the market who should be of interest to New York. The Knicks are roughly $3.3M below the second apron,” Weinbach wrote.

This would be a strong addition for New York, as Olynyk can do a little bit of everything. He can play inside when needed and knock down shots from beyond the arc. Olynyk also just lost to the Knicks in the Finals, so joining the team he fell to could be an interesting twist.

The veteran center has made $121 million throughout his career so far. New York currently has Andre Drummond as a backup, but if he is unavailable, the Knicks could need Olynyk in a big way. This would also be a relatively low-cost move for New York.

More NBA news:

• Warriors officially sign $39M veteran duo with playoff experience to pair with Steph Curry

• Heat reportedly win bidding war over Lakers, Knicks for $19M veteran elite rim protector

• Rockets predicted to swap Fred VanVleet for $347M 9x All-Star to reunite with Kevin Durant

• Lakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht for $69M veteran gamble, ex-Luka Doncic teammate