Mitchell Robinson just won his first NBA championship with the Knicks. A month later, he signed with the Boston Celtics. That part is straightforward. What happened in between is what makes his arrival in Boston interesting.
The veteran center agreed to a three-year, $47.4 million deal with the Celtics after New York showed zero interest in bringing him back. Not even a conversation. Robinson posted on Instagram to former teammate Josh Hart: “I tried brother I didn’t want this to happen hopefully the truth comes out at some point.” The Knicks are trying to stay under the second apron with Karl-Anthony Towns’ extension looming, so letting Robinson walk made financial sense even if it stung personally.
For the Celtics, this is exactly the kind of pickup they needed. Boston blew a 3-1 series lead to the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs last season, and the reasons were obvious in those three straight losses. Rim protection fell apart. Rebounding disappeared. The Celtics had no answer for Joel Embiid when it mattered most.
Robinson, 28, is entering his prime. He finished second in the NBA in offensive rebounds per game last season at 4.2. He also shot 60 percent from the free throw line for his career, which is relevant because Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla actually used a Hack-a-Robinson strategy against him during last season’s second-round series between Boston and New York.
Mazzulla addressed that directly after the signing became official.
“I had to apologize to him for Hack-a-Robinson, but he took it well,” Mazzulla said with a laugh. “I’m excited to have him. I’ve only talked to him once, but I love everything about that guy.”
Robinson now pairs with Neemias Queta, who signed a four-year, $56 million extension this summer. Queta averaged 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks last season, all career highs. Between them, the Celtics have two 7-footers who ranked in the top 10 in offensive rebounds per game last year. That’s not a coincidence. Boston led the league in defensive rating last season but barely cracked the top 10 offensively. Brad Stevens wanted more scoring chances, more possessions, more optionality after trading Jaylen Brown to the 76ers in a deal that still stings for fans.
The Celtics haven’t reached the Finals since winning it all in 2024. Their core is still built around Jayson Tatum, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard, but the supporting cast looks different. Veterans like Al Horford are gone. Luke Kornet left for San Antonio. Robinson is coming off his healthiest season in three years, averaging 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in a role that should expand in Boston’s system.
Mazzulla mentioned that Robinson accidentally stepped on the Celtics coaching staff’s iPad during a play and cracked the screen. “But I love everything about that guy,” Mazzulla said. “He seems like a great guy. Has a great story.”
That story now includes a chance to make the Knicks regret letting him walk. Robinson has a championship ring, a chip on his shoulder and a team that needs exactly what he does best. The Celtics are betting that a motivated big man with something to prove can help them get back to the Finals.
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