Mitchell Robinson signs with Celtics, says he tried to stay with Knicks

The New York Knicks‘ first championship team in 53 years is now starting to look a little bit different.

They were able to hang on to Jose Alvarado, but the first domino to fall was defensive big man Mitchell Robinson, who signed a three-year deal with the Boston Celtics.

Several of Robinson’s former Knick teammates, including Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, commented on his farewell post on Instagram, but Robinson’s response to Anunoby was rather telling.

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Mitchell Robinson outside City Hall at the New York Knicks ticker-tape parade June 18, 2026 in New York City. (XNY/Star Max/GC Images)

Anunoby commented with a sad emoji, and Robinson said he “tried” to get back with the Knicks, hinting the feeling was not mutual.

“I tried brother I didn’t want this to happen hopefully the truth comes out at some point. I’m gonna miss you big dawg! Keep being great,” Robinson replied.

Team owner James Dolan said almost immediately after the Knicks won the title that he had no interest in approaching the NBA’s second apron of payroll, calling it “suicidal.”

Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks celebrates after winning an NBA title against the San Antonio Spurs during Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. (Jesse D. Garrabrant /NBAE via Getty Images)

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That alone was enough to tell fans that a roster reconstruction was looming, especially with Brunson about to make up for the massive pay cut he took to help the Knicks win it all.

Robinson grabbed the final offensive rebound off a missed free throw that all but clinched the Knicks’ title against the San Antonio Spurs last month.

Robinson saw both the good and the bad with the Knicks as a second-round draft pick in 2018; in his first season, they were 17-65.

Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks talks to the media after a Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs June 13, 2026, at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. (Jacob Gonzalez/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Now, he heads to an apparently retooling Celtics team as a champion.

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