New Knicks Rumors Reveal Failed Trade Pursuit to Replace Mitchell Robinson After Celtics Contract

The New York Knicks are still looking for a big man to replace Mitchell Robinson, but it reportedly isn't for a lack of trying.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Thursday the reigning champions "have tried feverishly to trade for New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi" following the departure of Robinson only to be "rejected multiple times" because the Western Conference team sees him "as a vital core figure and the message is that he's unavailable."

The Knicks have reportedly cast a wide net in their search for frontcourt reinforcements. According to HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, "Before Marvin Bagley III agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, the Knicks were showing interest in the 27-year-old big man, league sources told HoopsHype. New York's recent interest in Kevon Looney and Nick Richards, who have been linked to the Knicks via trade interest for multiple seasons, has also been documented."

This comes after ESPN's Shams Charnaia reported Robinson agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal with the rival Boston Celtics.

After joining the Celtics, Robinson took to Instagram and wrote a message for the only NBA team he had ever previously known.

"Life a climb but, the view's great," Robinson wrote.

"New York Knicks fans and the whole Knicks organization, the past 8 years have been the highlight of my life. I can't thank you guys enough for the journey and opportunities. I know it's a lot of emotions going around trust me I feel it myself. But I will always have love for where it all started! I love you and will miss you! Once a Knick always a Knicks."

While he was never a dominant individual playmaker who stuffed the stat sheet, he did provide important frontcourt depth and solid defense. He was also an excellent rebounder in limited action and will be missed as New York attempts to defend its crown.

That it was interested in adding to the frontcourt following his departure comes as no surprise.

Like Robinson, Missi is not someone who scores 20-plus points a night on a daily basis but instead is someone who provides depth, rebounding and defense on the interior. He averaged 5.7 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 19.7 minutes per game last season.

Yves Missi Throws It Down

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He also shot an impressive 54.4 percent from the field and held opponents to 11.1 percent worse shooting within six feet of the basket than their normal averages, per NBA.com.

Missi's profile is similar to Robinson's, which means he would be a natural replacement in New York's frontcourt rotation. The front office surely knows this and has responded accordingly with its persistent efforts to land the 22-year-old.

Yet the Pelicans reportedly have no interest in giving him up as part of their rebuilding efforts.