NBA

Potential center options for Knicks as NBA trade deadline approaches

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Published Dec. 22, 2023, 2:03 a.m. ET

Centers of attention

There are still roughly six weeks until the NBA trade deadline on Feb. 8, plenty of time for teams to make decisions on the direction of their respective seasons.

That means waiting for the Knicks, who now have a major need at center with the news that Mitchell Robinson is likely out for the remainder of the season with a stress fracture in his left ankle.

The Post takes a look at some potential options for them:

  • Andre Drummond: The Knicks kicked the tires on him in 2021. He’s a very good rebounder and improved free-throw shooter. The Bulls are not at the point of fire sale yet, but they could certainly get there sitting at 12-17 overall. Plus, the 6-foot-11, 30-year-old Drummond is an unrestricted free agent-to-be.
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson #23 jumps to block Charlotte Hornets guard Ish Smith #14 during the first quarter.
Mitchell Robinson jumps to block Hornets guard Ish Smith’s shot during a Knicks game earlier this season. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
  • Nerlens Noel: The veteran free agent can be had for virtually nothing, but his stint did not end well with the Knicks, who were disappointed that he was rarely available in the 2021-22 season, his final with the team after signing a fairly sizable contract. Noel has only played a combined 42 games the previous three seasons, though he was a productive Knick in 2020-21, averaging 5.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.2 blocks for a playoff team.
  • Clint Capela: Similar to Drummond, it would depend on the Hawks opting to move him. But the rim-running, shot-blocking Capela would start for the Knicks. Capela has one year left on his contract at $22.2 million, but the Hawks are languishing and just signed young big man Onyeka Okongwu to a four-year, $62 million extension. This would be a splash move.
Andre Drummond #3 of the Chicago Bulls is defended by Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half.
Andre Drummond is defended by Austin Reaves during the Bulls’ recent game against the Lakers. Getty Images
  • Nick Richards: The 26-year-old Richards is enjoying the best season of his four-year pro career, posting career-highs in points (8.4), rebounds (6.6), blocks (1.2) and minutes (21.1). He’s on an affordable contract, one guaranteed year left at $5 million, but the Hornets’ future at center is second-year player Mark Williams. Plus, we all know how much the Knicks love those Kentucky guys.
  • Bismack Biyombo: Strong shot-blocker and rebounder, Biyombo is playing on a one-year contract for the Grizzlies. Memphis is the midst of a dreadful year, with just seven wins in 26 games entering Thursday, although the return of Ja Morant could change that. Still, the 31-year-old Biyombo could be moved at the deadline if the Grizzlies’ situation doesn’t shift dramatically.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) passes the ball as Memphis Grizzlies center Bismack Biyombo (18) defends.
Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun passes the ball as Grizzlies center Bismack Biyombo defends. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
  • Precious Achiuwa: The lawsuit between the Knicks and Raptors could complicate things, and Achiuwa isn’t a traditional center, since he doesn’t block shots and is undersized at 6-8. But the Bronx native does have court-spacing ability and is an explosive finisher around the basket. He is also a restricted free agent and the Raptors aren’t contenders.