​The New York Knicks are lining up a replacement for Mitchell Robinson, who recently signed a three-year, $47 million deal with the Boston Celtics. On Friday, the Knicks added 32-year-old veteran center Andre Drummond to back up Karl-Anthony Towns for the 2026-27 season, per SNY’s Ian Begley. Begley noted that the team could follow Drummond’s arrival with a move for a 6-foot-11 veteran from the Denver Nuggets. He wrote, “Knicks have secured agreement with free agent Andre Drummond, source confirms. Drummond, former Mount Vernon star, will be backup five for Karl-Anthony Towns after Mitchell Robinson’s exit.” The report added that Drummond has agreed to a one-year deal, initially reported by HoopsHype’s Mike Scotto, and that if he becomes a free agent, Jonas Valanciunas is on NYK’s radar as a potential third center.
The Knicks will face competition for Valanciunas, with the Los Angeles Lakers also showing interest in the former Toronto Raptors rookie center after sending Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards. ESPN’s Shams Charania indicated that “The Lakers will now focus on finding Walker Kessler’s backup on the market — with centers such as Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas, and Kevon Looney among those being considered.” Valanciunas, despite athletic limitations, is a solid low-post center who relies on refined footwork and tactics like shot fakes to finish around the rim. The 34-year-old posted 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 65 games for the Denver Nuggets last season as a backup, shooting 58.2 percent from the field.
If Looney becomes available, there’s a strong possibility Valanciunas could land with New York this month.