The Golden State Warriors are exploring options to improve their center position ahead of the upcoming NBA season, focusing on boosting rim protection and adding size for rebounding. They are considering a trade proposal involving Moses Moody, targeting New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson as a key addition to address their frontcourt needs.
According to ESPN analyst Bobby Marks on June 28, the Warriors’ biggest demands this summer include enhancing their defensive presence around the basket and deepening their frontcourt rotation. Marks suggested a trade sending Moses Moody to the Knicks in exchange for Robinson, which aligns with these priorities.
Mitchell Robinson’s Defensive Impact and Offensive Limitations
Mitchell Robinson has struggled with injuries in recent seasons but remains a defensive stalwart when healthy. The 27-year-old center played a critical role for the Knicks during the 2025 postseason, helping the team reach the brink of an NBA Finals appearance.
Robinson’s career averages—7.8 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per 24.1 minutes—highlight his emphasis on protecting the rim and grabbing offensive rebounds. His presence in Golden State could provide crucial defensive toughness and extra possessions through second-chance opportunities, both valuable for the Warriors’ offense.
However, Robinson’s offensive game presents challenges. He has not attempted a three-point shot throughout 377 regular-season contests, and his style could worsen spacing issues alongside sharpshooters and versatile wings like Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler. Additionally, Robinson’s free throw shooting is a liability, with a career percentage just above 52%. This weakness was exploited by the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals through intentional fouling, limiting his impact and minutes.
On a financial note, Robinson has only one year remaining on a four-year, $60 million contract, which means the Warriors would maintain flexibility beyond the 2025-26 season if the fit proved unsatisfactory.
Moses Moody’s Development and Trade Potential
Moses Moody, at 23, has matured within Steve Kerr’s system, showing improvement in his fourth NBA season after being selected 14th overall out of Arkansas. He posted a career-best year with averages of 9.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 0.8 steals in 22.3 minutes over 74 games, while hitting 37.4% from beyond the arc.
Despite this progress, Moody’s playing time decreased in the playoffs, dropping to 20.9 minutes in the first round against the Houston Rockets and further down to 9.4 minutes in the second-round loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Warriors extended Moody with a three-year, $37.5 million contract signed in October 2024, securing him through the 2027-28 season.
Yet, with Brandin Podziemski ahead of Moody on the depth chart and Buddy Hield’s continued role as shooting guard, Moody’s position on the team feels less assured. Trading him could be a strategic move for Golden State should it facilitate acquiring a rim-protecting center like Robinson, who fills a more urgent team need.
Implications of the Proposed Trade for the Warriors
The potential acquisition of Mitchell Robinson represents Golden State’s attempt to bolster their interior defense, an area that has lagged compared to their defensive stars Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler on the perimeter. While Robinson’s fit on offense is imperfect and carries risks, his defensive capabilities and rebounding could help shift the Warriors’ balance inside.
Moses Moody’s inclusion in trade talks underscores his value but also the strategic sacrifices Golden State is willing to make to enhance frontcourt depth. Given Robinson’s contract situation, the Warriors would keep roster flexibility for the near future while addressing this key need.
The outcome of these trade discussions could significantly influence the team’s defensive schemes and overall competitiveness as they prepare to challenge again in the Western Conference.
“Trade Moses Moody to the Knicks for Mitchell Robinson,” —Bobby Marks, ESPN Analyst