On July 1, 2026, free agent center Mitchell Robinson signed a three-year contract worth $47.4 million with the Boston Celtics, marking a major move for the team.
Why it matters: Robinson's addition addresses the Celtics' pressing need for a dominant presence in the paint following their playoff exit last season.
Robinson, a key contributor to the New York Knicks' championship run, averaged 5.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game last season.
His contract includes a player option for the third year, allowing him flexibility in his future.
Boston's frontcourt now features Robinson alongside Neemias Queta and Luka Garza, enhancing their rebounding and defensive capabilities.
Driving the news: The Celtics had signaled their intent to bolster their roster this offseason, particularly after their first-round collapse against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Brad Stevens, Celtics president of basketball operations, emphasized the need to improve their impact at the rim during his end-of-year press conference.
Robinson's signing follows the team's pursuit of superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was traded to the Miami Heat instead.
Questions linger about Jaylen Brown's future with the team, as he was rumored to be part of a trade package for Antetokounmpo.
The big picture: Robinson's defensive prowess and rebounding skills make him a valuable asset for the Celtics.
Standing at 7 feet tall, he ranked in the 87th percentile for block percentage and the 95th percentile for steal percentage last season.
Robinson led the NBA in rebounds and offensive rebounds per 100 possessions during the 2025-26 season, with averages of 22.2 and 10.6, respectively.
His effective field-goal percentage of 72.3% ranked in the 95th percentile among big men, highlighting his efficiency around the rim.
What they're saying: The Celtics believe Robinson’s skill set aligns perfectly with their needs.
"He’s good on both ends of the floor," said Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics' head coach, highlighting Robinson's ability to impact games defensively and offensively.
Stevens noted that the Celtics aimed to create more dunks this season, an area where Robinson excelled, tying for 23rd in the league with 97 dunks last season.
Robinson's presence is expected to make the Celtics more formidable on the boards, improving their offensive rebounding percentage from 18th to 5th last season.
By the numbers: Robinson's career stats and recent performance underline his potential impact.
In his eight seasons with the Knicks, Robinson averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.
He played 60 games last season, his most since the 2021-22 season, after struggling with injuries in previous years.
Robinson has a career free throw shooting percentage of just 50.8%, making him a target for intentional fouls by opponents.
What's next: The Celtics are looking to finalize their roster ahead of the upcoming season.
Robinson's contract cannot be officially signed until July 6, 2026, due to NBA regulations.
Boston also reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with veteran guard Mike Conley Jr., adding depth and experience to their backcourt.
The Celtics will continue to evaluate their options as they prepare for the 2026-27 season, aiming for a deep playoff run.