A new report points to the New York Knicks potentially replacing veteran rim-protector Mitchell Robinson with St. John's top star in 2025-26.
Robinson never had stats that jumped off the page. Even this season, he is averaging 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in just 19.6 minutes per night. However, for Knicks fans and rivals in the conference, they know the seven-foot player can make a big difference as an elite offensive rebounder, talented rim protector and lob threat.
That's why New York gave the former second-round pick a huge raise four years ago in the form of a four-year, $60 million deal. However, with the valuable center in the final year of his contract, and the Knicks already hovering around the second salary tax apron, there's a very real possibility they let Robinson walk in free agency.
That's why they may consider trying to replace him with a more cost-effective option in June's NBA Draft. Well, they could reportedly be one of those teams taking a close look at a player who could be a great replacement for Robinson next season.
Could the New York Knicks trade Mitchell Robinson for Zubie Ejiofor?
According to college basketball insider Adam Zagoria, more than 20 teams have "requested private workouts" with St. John's star Jubie Ejiofor. It would make complete sense if the Knicks were one of the teams the senior won Big East Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Scholar Athlete of the Year honors last season for a Red Storm team that reached the Sweet 16.
Although Ejiofor is shorter than Robinson (7-feet compared to 6-foot-9), he weighs similar to the Knicks center. He is also a talented rim protector (2.1 blocks per night) and offensive rebounder (3.0 ORPG in 2025-26, 4.4 in 2024-25). However, he may be upgraded overall as he is a far more efficient scorer than Robinson.
Last season, Ejiofor posted 17.3 points per game and shot 72% from the line. Robinson is a liability at the line after averaging 51% from the stripe for his career. The St. John's big man could be an option for New York, with a higher possibility at 24, or 31, to open Round 2 of the draft.
