# Knicks overhaul frontcourt to address center depth

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-york-knicks-center-search
> Updated: 2026-08-16T15:38:38.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 6.

The New York Knicks have undergone a significant frontcourt overhaul following the departures of Mitchell Robinson, who signed with the Boston Celtics, and Ariel Hukporti. To address the resulting vacancy, the team signed veteran Andre Drummond to a one-year, $3.9 million contract to provide rebounding and backup for Karl-Anthony Towns.

Despite the Drummond signing, the Knicks continue to pursue additional interior depth to avoid exceeding the league’s second tax apron. The club has explored several avenues, including a failed attempt to acquire New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi and interest in veteran Alex Len, who recently terminated his contract with Real Madrid. Other potential targets include Nick Richards, Karlo Matkovic, and Moussa Diabate. The team also monitored Jonas Valančiūnas, who became an unrestricted free agent after being waived by Denver.

To maintain salary flexibility, the Knicks have also targeted veteran guard Jordan Clarkson on a minimum deal. The organization remains focused on bolstering its center rotation through trades or non-guaranteed contracts for training camp, utilizing assets such as a 2027 second-round pick, Tyler Kolek, and Pacôme Dadiet to facilitate potential moves.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: New York Knicks seek center depth amid roster changes

The New York Knicks are pursuing center depth after losing Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti, while aiming to stay below the NBA's second tax apron.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-knicks-seek-center-depth-amid-roster-changes

### 2026-07-30: NBA Offseason: Knicks Target Center Trade, Spurs Among Quiet Winners

The Knicks are exploring trades to address a center shortage, using assets like a 2027 second‑round pick, Tyler Kolek and Pacôme Dadiet. The Spurs quietly strengthened their roster with Julian Champagnie, re‑s签

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nba-offseason-knicks-target-center-trade-spurs-among-quiet-winners

### 2026-07-20: New York Knicks eye veteran Alex Len to bolster depleted center ranks

The Knicks are considering veteran Alex Len, a 33‑year‑old former first‑round pick, to add depth at center after losing Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-knicks-eye-veteran-alex-len-to-bolster-depleted-center-ranks

### 2026-07-14: New York Knicks reshape center rotation with Drummond signing and Valanciunas pursuit

The Knicks signed Andre Drummond after losing Mitchell Robinson and are eyeing veteran Jonas Valanciunas to bolster their center bench while staying under the salary cap.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-knicks-reshape-center-rotation-with-drummond-signing-and-valanciunas-pursuit

### 2026-07-04: New York Knicks eye veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas and plan to re‑sign guard Jordan Clarkson

The Knicks, after signing Andre Drummond, remain interested in veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas and plan to re‑sign guard Jordan Clarkson, using remaining cap space to add depth while keeping salary flexibility

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-knicks-eye-veteran-center-jonas-valaninas-and-plan-to-resign-guard-jordan-clarkson

### 2026-07-02: New York Knicks pursue new center after Mitchell Robinson signs with Celtics

The Knicks are hunting a new center after Mitchell Robinson joined the Celtics, pursuing Pelicans’ Yves Missi (rejected) and monitoring veteran Jonas Valanciunas amid contract uncertainty.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-york-knicks-pursue-veteran-center-after-mitchell-robinsons-departure

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Cite as: Knicks overhaul frontcourt to address center depth. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-york-knicks-center-search