The New York Knicks are fresh off an NBA championship victory, but they can’t sit around for long. They lost Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics in free agency, leaving a crucial gap at the backup center position. They signed Andre Drummond in free agency, but at this point in his career, he is not a reliable option for a full-time reserve role. Here are three options the Knicks could pursue to fill the void that Robinson left.

Moussa Diabate

New York Knicks NBA rumors Knicks rumors
Mar 28, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabaté (14) walks back down the court during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images

Moussa Diabate is a starting-caliber center who would fit perfectly with the Knicks. He would be able to play with Towns in double-big lineups due to his athleticism and rebounding ability. His availability became relevant when the Charlotte Hornets acquired Naz Reid in the LaMelo Ball trade. The logjam at the center put Diabate at the forefront of NBA trade rumors.

Diabate 2025/26 stats: 7.9 PPG/8.7 RPG/1.9 APG

Thomas Sorber

New York Knicks NBA rumors Knicks rumors
Jan 25, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Thomas Sorber during warm ups before a game against the Toronto Raptors at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Thomas Sorber would be an incredible upside play for the Knicks. He could sit behind Drummond for a year and get spot minutes when needed. Once Drummond leaves in free agency next year, Sorber would move into the full-time reserve spot behind Towns. He is yet to make his NBA debut with the Oklahoma City Thunder due to injuries. He may be available for a trade with the Thunder, a rough cap situation, and depth at the center position.

Luka Garza

New York Knicks NBA rumors Knicks rumors
Jan 3, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Boston Celtics center Luka Garza (52) reacts against the LA Clippers in the second half at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Luka Garza wouldn’t be anyone’s number one option, but he would probably fill this spot better than anyone not listed. He would be a reliable backup who has shown a willingness to shoot threes. The Celtics would likely be willing to trade Garza due to the addition of Robinson and the emergence of Neemias Queta. They also drafted Chris Cenac Jr. in the first round of the 2026 NBA draft.

Garza 2025/26 stats: 8.1 PPG/4.1 RPG/1.0 APG

End Of My New York Knicks NBA Rumors Rant

The Knicks don’t need to do anything drastic, but they can’t just do nothing. The league, specifically the Eastern Conference, has improved a ton this offseason with some huge trades. Adding a reliable backup center should be their main goal at this point in the offseason.