Knicks target Kelly Olynyk to fill center depth after Mitchell Robinson departure
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 2:40 PM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026
The New York Knicks are pursuing veteran center Kelly Olynyk to add depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Andre Drummond. The team remains in search of a third center following the departure of Mitchell Robinson, who signed a three-year contract with the Boston Celtics. Previous efforts to secure a backup big man have proven unsuccessful during the current offseason. Analysts suggest the Knicks may offer Olynyk a low-risk, non-guaranteed deal to allow for evaluation during the preseason. Such an arrangement would provide the team with shooting and size without requiring a long-term financial commitment. The Lakers are also reportedly active in the center market, creating potential competition for the 13-year veteran's services.
- •Mitchell Robinson signed a three-year, $47.4 million deal with the Boston Celtics.
- •The Knicks have two roster spots remaining to fill before the season begins.
- •Kelly Olynyk has earned $121 million over his 13-year career.
- •The Lakers remain in the market for center help alongside the Knicks.
- 2:40 PMYahoo Sports — Knicks predicted to outbid Lakers for $121M 13-year veteran to replace Mitchell Robinson
"The New York Knicks still need a backup center to Karl-Anthony Towns. A well liked veteran could be the right guy to sign before the season starts.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NBA•Oct 21, 2026, 4:43 PMLuka Doncic Sends Message to Lakers Fans Ahead of 1st Game of Season
NBA•Oct 21, 2026, 4:00 PMESPN personality: Lakers will be 'best offensive team in the league'- NBA•Oct 21, 2026, 3:48 PMLeBron James' versatility, passing on full display in Philadelphia 76ers debut
NBA•Oct 21, 2026, 3:13 PMJoel Embiid makes vow to 76ers that 'changes everything' after opener
NBA•Oct 21, 2026, 3:12 PMFormer Bulls, Knicks head coach visits Cavs’ practice
NBA•Oct 21, 2026, 2:37 PMIs Stephen Curry playing tonight? Warriors vs. Lakers injury report to open season
