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Mitchell Robinson doesn't know 'how to feel' after Knicks' blockbuster trade

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Knicks center Mitchell Robinson spoke publicly for the first time since their trade Saturday, a massive deal where they traded RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Raptors for OG Anunoby.

There are other pieces to the deal, with the Pistons-owned second-round pick in 2024 going to Toronto as well as Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn going back to the Knicks.

Robinson, who will likely miss the rest of the season — a campaign that started very promising for the emerging center — addressed losing Barrett and Quickley, with whom he’s been teammates throughout his entire Knicks tenure.

“I don’t really know how to feel,” Robinson said on Snapchat, responding to a fan asking him about the deal.

“I gotta see it from both sides: brothers side, business side, you know what I mean? Of course, nobody wants to see their family leave, they’re my bros, you know? I’m in a game with them, I’m fighting with them.”

Robinson answered fans questions on Snapchat. Mitchell Robinson/Snapchat
“I don’t really know how to feel,” Robinson said Mitchell Robinson/Snapchat

Robinson averaged 6.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game before being declared out for the season with an ankle injury.

The Knicks drafted RJ Barrett to the Raptors on Saturday. Getty Images
The Knicks traded Immanuel Quickley to the Raptors on Saturday. Getty Images

The true 7-footer, drafted to the Knicks in the second round of the 2018 Draft, later added, “Two of my soldiers are gone, you know what I mean? What you gonna do, you know what I mean? I know they’re gonna go over there to Toronto and handle their business, play hard.

“It’s a business at the end of the day, so I mean, yeah it is upsetting seeing two guys that you built a relationship with leave, it is crazy but, I mean, what you gonna do, you know? It’s a business at the end of the day.”

The Knicks traded for OG Anunoby on Saturday. Getty Images

The Raptors have already logged their welcome posts for Quickley and Barrett, as have the Knicks for the incoming Anunoby, who may debut with the team on Monday, as the Knicks will be hosting the Timberwolves.

The Raptors host the Cavaliers tomorrow evening and neither Barrett nor Quickley are listed on the injury report, meaning they may also debut.

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Zora Stowers

Update: 2024-05-02