Why Heat should target this 2026 NBA Champion in free agency

Mitchell Robinson Miami Heat — New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. (Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images)

The New York Knicks were crowned the NBA champions for the first time in 53 years this past weekend, bouncing the San Antonio Spurs in five games despite trailing by at least a dozen points in each game. It’s not a feat you see very often. But if the Knicks proved anything, they proved that they’re resilient, deep … and, well, experienced, compared to the Spurs.

As of Sunday, the offseason has officially tipped off. Teams are now eligible to negotiate extensions with their own free agents as well as their extension-eligible players, and all 30 teams are now eligible to make trades. Free agency doesn’t begin until June 30 at 6:00 p.m. EST, but the rumor mill isn’t slowing down any time soon.

That’s particularly true for the Miami Heat, who are in the thick of the race for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Those sweepstakes notwithstanding, the Heat have holes they must plug this summer — especially in the frontcourt. And one recently crowned champion could be a great fit for the mid-level exception, should they explore a backup center in free agency.

Heat desperately need frontcourt help, and Mitchell Robinson could help fill that void:

Mitchell Robinson will be entering unrestricted free agency if he doesn’t re-sign with New York before then. The 7-footer has spent his entire career in the Big Apple. And the Miami Heat are expected to have their full mid-level exception available to them this summer.

While it would make sense for the Knicks to retain Robinson, 28, they are $3.5 million beneath the first apron and nearly $16.5 million below the second … with nine players rostered. That excludes the No. 24 pick in next week’s draft ($3.4 million), but includes Jose Alvarado’s $4.5 million player option. Their aforementioned space could change as a result.

Nevertheless, they’re toeing that line.

Robinson has a $24.6 million cap hold, but is expected to command a contract similar to his previous one, a four-year, $60 million deal. While that may seem like a lot for a backup center who doesn’t score, Robinson’s impact transcends the box score.

Yes, I know you’re probably screeching at the fact that you’d have to see opponents deploy the “Hack-A-Mitch” free-throw strategy. But Robinson is an excellent offensive rebounder, screener and shot-blocker; he perfects the “big man” things, which the Heat lack behind Adebayo and Kel’el Ware.

His lack of touch outside of five feet could, theoretically, make him a clunky fit alongside Antetokounmpo. But for 15-20 minutes per night, Robinson knows how to excel in his role.

Among those who played at least 1,000 minutes, Robinson led the NBA in offensive rebound percentage (23.9) last season. The next highest? Donovan Clingan … at 17.7 percent. That 6.2-point gap is as big a difference between Clingan and the 23rd-highest (De’Andre Ayton). That’s absurd.

Robinson also topped all players in total rebound percentage (25.0) while finishing 10th in block percentage. He would need to cut down on his foul percentage, but he would provide a huge body in the frontcourt to take some of the pressure off Adebayo and, potentially, Antetokounmpo (or Ware). Not to mention, he’s a great rim-runner and vertical spacer.

For most — if not all — of the mid-level exception ($15 million), the Heat could do much worse. Of course, Robinson would be a much better fit if Miami 1.) reverts to an offense that includes more ball screens 2.) Improves its guard room and 3.) Finds more 3-point shooting to open up the floor. Nailing at least two of those requirements would turn Robinson from a solid fit into a great fit.

Regardless, the Miami Heat should explore the market for the 7-footer, especially if they aren’t able to find a remedy in the trade market, Antetokounmpo notwithstanding.

***

To check out our other content, click here.

Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Twitter/X here!

Follow Hot Hot Hoops on Instagram here!

Check out Hot Hot Hoops on Facebook here!

Subscribe to our YouTube channel here!