​The Boston Celtics’ offseason has already become the stuff of legend. In a surprising turn, the 17-time NBA champions stunned many observers by trading Finals MVP Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George, two first-round picks, and two second-round picks. That bold move set the stage for a series of eye-catching maneuvers, but the marquee development came with Boston’s formal outbidding of the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks to land a historic 7-foot rebounder and NBA champion.
In a Tuesday morning news release, the Celtics announced the signing of center Mitchell Robinson, adding a premier defender and elite rebounder to their frontcourt. Robinson spent his first eight NBA seasons (2018–2026) with the New York Knicks, appearing in 397 games with 215 starts. His career averages stand at 7.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks in 23.4 minutes per game, and his impact extends beyond points, as he has been a standout presence on the boards. Notably, Robinson owns the Knicks’ all-time field goal percentage mark at 70.2%, and he is the NBA’s all-time playoff leader in offensive rebounds per 100 possessions at 9.5. During the 2025–26 season, he contributed 5.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across 60 games (16 starts), helping to catalyze a championship run for New York.
Robinson’s ability to dominate on both ends of the floor made him a coveted asset for teams seeking a rugged interior presence. His arrival in Boston adds a veteran cornerstone to an already formidable frontcourt, reinforcing the Celtics’ rebounding and interior defense. The move coincides with the Celtics’ decision to re-sign Neemias Queta to a four-year, $56 million contract, signaling a commitment to fortifying the paint and ensuring depth behind the starting lineup.
By contrast, the Lakers and Knicks shifted their centers’ search elsewhere after missing out on Robinson. Los Angeles pivoted toward options such as Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney, while New York pursued Andre Drummond, adjusting their plans in response to the evolving market for big men. The landscape of the NBA’s interior battles continues to shift as teams balance age, upside, and fit around star talent.
As the league continues to churn through headlines, the Celtics’ bold acquisition of Robinson stands out as a defining moment in their bid to capitalize on a tumultuous offseason. With a frontcourt anchored by players like Robinson and Queta, Boston signals its intention to balance scoring with relentless rebounding and interior defense—an approach that could reshape the team’s ceiling for the coming seasons. The Sporting News has covered the evolving saga of this offseason, and readers can view additional coverage by selecting The Sporting News as a preferred source. And as the NBA scene unfolds, discussions around potential blockbuster trades and future signings remain a constant, underscoring just how dynamic this era of basketball has become.