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The New York Knicks’ first championship team in 53 years is now starting to look a little different.
They managed to retain Jose Alvarado, but the first domino to fall was big defender Mitchell Robinson, who signed a three-year contract with the Boston Celtics.
Several of Robinson’s former teammates, including Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, commented on his farewell message on Instagram, but Robinson’s response to Anunoby was rather telling.
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Mitchell Robinson is seen in front of City Hall during the New York Knicks ticker tape parade on June 18, 2026 in New York. (XNY/Star Max/GC Images)
Anunoby commented with a sad emoji, and Robinson said he was “trying” to get back with the Knicks, hinting that the feeling was not mutual.
“I tried bro, I didn’t mean for this to happen, I hope the truth comes out at some point. I’m going to miss you, big buddy! Keep being awesome,” Robinson replied.
Team owner James Dolan said almost immediately after the Knicks won the title that he had no interest in the NBA’s second-largest payroll, calling it “suicidal.”
Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks celebrates after winning the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs in 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 rebuild was underway, especially since Brunson was finally willing to make up for the massive pay cut he took to help the Knicks win it all.
Robinson grabbed the final offensive rebound on 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 pick in 2018; in his first season, they were 17-65.
Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks speaks to the media after the game against the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals on June 13, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. (Jacob Gonzalez/NBAE via Getty Images)
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But now he’ll head to a seemingly revamped Celtics team as a champion.
