The New York Knicks have been linked to Washington Wizards center Jonas Valančiūnas, as reported by Moneyline's Ian Begley. The Knicks maintain a 'solid belief' that Mitchell Robinson will make his return to action around early February, which raises questions about potential roster adjustments in the interim.

Jonas Valančiūnas has emerged as a player of interest for the Knicks should they decide to move on from Robinson. Currently averaging 11.6 points on 55.8 percent shooting, alongside 8.1 rebounds during 19.8 minutes of play per game, the 32-year-old big man signed a three-year, $30.3 million contract with the Wizards last offseason. Concurrently, the Los Angeles Lakers are also reportedly pursuing Valančiūnas, showing interest in acquiring him or another backup center through the trade market, as highlighted by Michael A. Scotto of HoopsHype.

Robinson, 26, has been sidelined since the previous year's playoffs, having undergone ankle procedures in December 2023 and May 2024. In the 2022-2023 season, he averaged 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks over 24.8 minutes in 31 games, of which 21 were as a starter. The Knicks are in need of additional frontcourt depth behind superstar Karl-Anthony Towns. As the trade deadline on February 6 approaches, there are trade discussions regarding Robinson's health, with several teams expressing interest should he prove to be healthy. His existing contract, worth $12.9 million for one more season before he becomes a free agent in 2026, makes him an enticing option for teams looking to bolster their rosters. Given the Knicks rank third in the Eastern Conference yet stand at 17th in defensive efficiency, acquiring a player like Valančiūnas or seeing Robinson return could provide essential reinforcements as they prepare for the remainder of the season.