Bulls ‘attractive’ by Knicks Mitchell Robinson: Report

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Billy Donovan

NBA Trade deadline has passed without Chicago Bulls pull any trade. It is believed the team will stay busy in the buy-out market with the likes of Tristan Thompson, Goran Dragic, Thaddeus Young and Paul Millsap potentially available.

While those players may be available and positive additions to Chicago’s roster, there’s a potential buy-in on deadline day that will surprise some. Based on New York Post’s Marc Berman– Who consulted a source – Bulls were “attracted” by Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks. In the end, the Knicks decided to stay with the uber-talented 7-footer who turns 25 on April 1.

“The Bulls are intrigued by Robinson, according to the source, because they are looking for another defensive center to side with Nikola Vucevic as they aim for an extended playoff,” Berman wrote.

Ahead of time, most won’t mount the Bulls as a group in the market for a backup hub. Although current substitute Tony Bradley isn’t exactly Hakeem Olajuwon, he seems to be firmly in the position of next man as the Bulls want to keep a traditional big man while Vucevic sits.

“The Knicks’ decision not to trade Robinson for the assets indicates that they at least feel Robinson would accept a contract extension if offered,” Berman continued. “They could offer him a five-year, $55 million extension.”

How much will Robinson upgrade compared to Bradley? “

Robinson will provide rare flexibility for Bulls

The basic use for Robinson would be as a backup hub for Vucevic. Robinson’s combination of length and health is almost unmatched. We’re basically talking about a guy whose catch and intercept radius is said to be even better than Giannis Antetokounmpo.

This allows Robinson to become a major rim guard and one of the most formidable pick-and-roll and tire threats in the NBA. During his career, Robinson made just under 72% of his shots from the pitch. So far this season, in 52 games, Robinson has converted 76% of his shots. That keeps him on track to eclipse his previous season’s best scoring rate from 2019-20 as he leads the league with a 74% performance. Why does he shoot such a high percentage? Because of his length and fitness after screens and counter-attacks, it resulted in a lot of misses and finishes.

He also averaged 2 blocks per game in his career. He is at 1.6 so far this season. Robinson is also one of the better defensively big players in the NBA. His physical gifts allow him to stay with smaller opponents and possibly, that will allow Bulls head coach Billy Donovan to play with Robinson in a power forward position.

While the Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t the team to beat the Eastern Conference, it’s easier to have the option of going with a major route when one of the nimble adults like Robinson. Likewise, Vucevic and Robinson have a much better chance of slowing down Bulls nemesis and Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid. It’s not clear what the Bulls have to offer, but chances are, it could be worth it.

According to Berman, the pursuit of Robinson may not be over for Chicago.

The Bulls’ chase for Robinson may not be over

Robinson will become a free agent at the end of the season and he can leave the Knicks without compensation. According to Berman, the Bulls should be one of the interested teams.

“His hometown Pistons, Bulls, Mavs and Pelicans will all be of interest this summer,” Berman reported. “A person close to Robinson said the Louisiana native would be interested in returning to Bayou State.”

If this is true, the question will be: Can the Bulls lure Robinson away from his hometown team, while also going against conductor Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks?

It all remains to be seen, but if the Bulls can replenish Robinson by just parting with the likes of Derrick Jones Jr and Matt Thomas, it will be a huge win for the squad.

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