Insider prediction for Knicks transfers carries big risk that cannot be ignored

Unless you live in seclusion, you know the New York Knicks need another center. It's been over two months since Isaiah Hartenstein signed with the Thunder. The Knicks were reviewing their options before re-signing Precious Achiuwa to a one-year, $6 million deal.

Mitchell Robinson is the starter, but it's unclear if he'll be ready to begin the season after undergoing minor ankle surgery at the end of last season. He also had ankle surgery last December. His injury history is troubling, especially for a competitive team.

Achiuwa is likely Robinson's replacement, followed by Jericho Sims. Julius Randle and OG Anunoby could also spend time at the five.

If Robinson is out, the Knicks will be overwhelmed. Achiuwa is a solid replacement, but not a conventional center. Sims still has a lot to prove. Playing in a small space with Randle and Anunoby is not a long-term solution. There's a reason New York is still exploring the market.

On Monday's edition of ESPN's NBA Today, the crew discussed expectations for the 2024-25 Knicks, with Brian Windhorst saying he thinks New York's roster is “a little incomplete.”

“From an X's and Os standpoint, they're a little undermanned at center. They lost Isaiah Hartenstein. They have to rely on Mitchell Robinson, who has been great but a little injury prone. Let's keep an eye on what they do from a transfer standpoint as the season goes on.”

Windhorst mentioned Walker Kessler, a young center the Knicks were interested in earlier this summer. He acknowledged that it would be difficult to get a deal done with the Jazz. Windhorst also mentioned another Western Conference center as an option.

“I would say any team looking for a center will be watching Robert Williams closely this year. With the Blazers drafting Donovan Clingan and having DeAndre Ayton, who is probably not very tradeable on their roster, I don't know where Robert Williams fits in. I think the Knicks will be one of the teams keeping an eye on him.”

On ESPN Today, Zach Lowe talked about Randle's future and whether or not he's a good fit for New York. On his podcast recently, he discussed scenarios where the Knicks trade Randle for a rotation center.

If New York talks about Randle trades before the deadline (and that's not a given), it would be a risk to seriously consider signing Williams. He is more injury-prone than Robinson. The 26-year-old played six games with Portland last season before undergoing season-ending knee surgery. In the 2022-23 season, Williams played 35 games with the Celtics.

Windhorst is right, though. The Knicks will likely keep an eye on Williams. The center's first half of the season will tell the story. If he stays healthy, there will be interested teams. There's a difference between watching a player and trading him.

Hopefully Robinson And Williams stays healthy in 2024-25, but New York doesn't need him.