NBA to deny Knicks’ request for disabled player exception

The NBA is denying the Knicks’ request for a $7.8 million disabled player exception for center Mitchell Robinson, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

The reason? Well, Robinson may be able to return from ankle surgery by the end of the regular season or perhaps playoffs. He suffered the injury 

Player exceptions are generally granted when teams are thought to lose a starter/key player either for the season or the vast majority of it.

It was revealed on Dec. 11 that Robinson would be re-evaluated for the injury in eight-to-10 weeks.

Robinson, 25, is 7-foot-0 and averaging 6.2 points and 10.3 rebounds in 21 games on the year. He is also the team’s top shot-blocking presence.

New York (22-15) is 5-0 since acquiring forward OG Anunoby in a trade with the Raptors, in which it sent guard/forward RJ Barrett and guard Immanuel Quickley to Toronto.

ESPN Sources: NBA is denying the Knicks a $7.8 million Disabled Player Exception for loss of Mitchell Robinson, because there’s optimism that Robinson can return from ankle surgery to play late in regular season. Knicks could be getting back one of league’s best defensive… pic.twitter.com/W9qaOy63Lq

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 10, 2024