Knicks’ polarizing $39 million free agent can’t leave for Celtics or Hawks

Knicks’ polarizing $39 million free agent can’t leave for Celtics or Hawks originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here . Mitchell Robinson can cause a few headaches in key moments for the New York Knicks as a career 50.

8% free thrower, but he also solves many more problems on the floor than he creates. The athletic 7-foot center has become one of the most prolific offensive rebounding talents and capable lob threats in recent memory, and the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent will command plenty of attention from competing front offices, including a few bitter rivals. Per ESPN's Bobby Marks , the Knicks could expect to battle with a few competitive Eastern Conference franchises and recent postseason opponents in the Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks to retain the 28-year-old big man this summer despite his clear deficiencies at the charity stripe.

"Robinson averaged the second-most offensive rebounds (4. 2) during the regular season despite playing less than 20 minutes per game," Marks explained Friday morning. "Robinson continues to be a liability at the free throw line; he has the worst make percentage in NBA postseason history among players with at least 100 attempts.

" "New York's decision on whether it enters the second apron will play a role in Robinson's future. New York is currently $13 million below the second apron with 10 players under contract, including its first-round pick in June. " Marks suggests that the Knicks re-sign Robinson on a deal similar to fellow offensive rebounding great and Houston Rockets center Steven Adams at a 3-year, $39 million figure to have him remain alongside Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.