After the New York Knicks won the NBA championship, Mitchell Robinson was the longest-tenured player on the roster. He has now joined the Boston Celtics via free agency. But Robinson revealed that he didn't want to leave New York.

Following his departure, the center posted a farewell message for the Knicks fans on his Instagram. OG Anunoby commented with a sad emoji, prompting Robinson to clarify that he wanted to remain a Knick.

“I tried, brother. I didn't want this to happen. Hopefully the truth comes out at some point,” he wrote in reply to Anunoby. "I'm gonna miss you big dawg! Keep being great.”

Robinson had a player option in his third year of the contract. The Knicks couldn't match the deal without going over the second apron, a threshold that is set for $222 million for the 2026-27 season. Knicks' owner James Dolan previously said he didn't want to entertain it.

Robinson signed a three-year, $47.4 million deal with the Celtics. This puts him in a rival camp in the Atlantic Division.

Robinson has a history of injuries. He also didn't have an outstanding postseason. But he was very crucial in containing the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama in the NBA Finals.

He had developed a strong bond with his Knicks teammates before they brought a championship to New York after 53 years.

Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson also reacted to the post with emotional replies. But there was another Knick who was deeply hurt by the departure due to their special bond.

Josh Hart reacts on X, revealing his special bond with Mitchell Robinson

The Knicks can certainly find a replacement for Robinson. However, not having their reserve center in the locker room won't be a happy experience, especially for Josh Hart.

Reacting to Robinson's departure for Boston, Hart revealed that he shared a love for country music with his former teammate.

"Damn, now no one else listens to country besides me," he wrote.

After a fan said that he too loved the genre, Hart jokingly asked if he could "play the 5."

This season, Robinson played the reserve center. In 60 games this season, he averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 19.6 minutes.

Guards Jose Alvarado's and Landry Shamet's deals truly reflect how strong the Knicks' chemistry has been. Shamet took less money to return to the Knicks, and Alvarado signed a team-friendly deal.

Robinson's departure forces the Knicks to sign a center with a team-friendly deal, and Josh Hart might not find a country music-loving teammate.

What do you think is the real reason behind Mitchell Robinson's exit? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore