Why latest Mitchell Robinson report ignores Celtics' favorite free agency weapon

In a recent edition of "The Stein Line," NBA insider Jake Fischer shared a list of potential suitors for New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson. He listed the Los Angeles Lakers, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, and the Charlotte Hornets as the clubs often relayed to him when gauging the 28-year-old's market this summer.

However, just because the Boston Celtics aren't on that list doesn't mean one should rule them out of the running. It's a franchise that moves in silence. How many saw the Derrick White trade coming? The deal for Kristaps Porzingis didn't reach the public until it was nearing the finish line. The list goes on. It's an organization that conducts business in a stealth fashion.

This author is among the majority anticipating that the Knicks will re-sign Robinson, whose late-game defense against Victor Wembanyama helped New York seize a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals. However, it would make sense for Boston to make a push for him.

Mitchell Robinson is a logical free-agent target for the Celtics

The seven-foot center checks the boxes that Boston's looking to tick off as it fortifies the center spot on its depth chart.

At Brad Stevens' end-of-season press conference, the team's president of basketball operations stated, "One of the things that we've got to figure out is how to have more of an impact at the rim. And I think we do need to add to our team to do that."

Robinson's combination of size and athleticism makes him an ideal lob threat. He'd also make the Celtics a tougher and more physical foe for opponents to deal with. The force he plays with includes setting productive screens. Whether he's allowing Derrick White to step into a clean look at a 3 off the dribble, or paving the way for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to get into the paint, he can help Boston's primary ball-handlers, including Payton Pritchard, get quality shots.

That's another area Stevens addressed at the Auerbach Center podium, stating that too often, they've struggled to do so on their initial attempt.

Robinson would also help the Celtics generate extra possessions. That was vital to their manufacturing the second-highest offensive rating in the regular season. The eighth-year center averaged 4.2 offensive rebounds in under 20 minutes of floor time. He snagged 4.6 at the other end of the floor, helping limit opponents to one shot per trip. That could lead to more transition opportunities and points at the basket and the free-throw line if Boston were able to pry him from New York.

He would also give his new team another rim protector. The former second-round pick, who heard his name called nine spots after the Celtics selected Robert Williams III, swatted 1.2 shots per game this season. He's averaging 1.7 blocks for his career.

Robinson is on an expiring four-year, $60 million contract. The non-taxpayer mid-level exception projects to be worth slightly north of $15 million next season and $65.1 million over four years.

Robinson's price tag may be too high for Celtics

However, as he aims higher, he may point to the deal signed by another ideal potential target for Boston this summer, Isaiah Hartenstein. Robinson's former teammate joined the Oklahoma City Thunder on a three-year, $87 million contract. Only the first two seasons were guaranteed, and that pact came with a club option for the 2026-27 campaign.

It's also worth noting that he started in 49/75 regular-season contests in his final year in Gotham. While the former is a starting-caliber center, he backs up Karl-Anthony Towns. Robinson was in New York's first unit in just 16 of his 60 appearances this year.

Again, the Knicks will probably spend what's necessary to keep him in the fold. However, even though the Celtics, known for operating stealthily, weren't on Fischer's list of potential suitors, Robinson is such an appealing fit.

Furthermore, the list of free-agent centers that also match that description is short. The draft is another avenue featuring intriguing options. However, as Brad Stevens and Co. work to find a partner to pair with Neemias Queta to give Boston a potent 1-2 punch at the pivot, it makes sense to try to lure Robinson from the Big Apple.

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