Knicks sign Andre Drummond to replace Mitchell Robinson, source confirms
Free agent Andre Drummond, formerly of the Philadelphia 76ers, reacts after dunking the ball against the Charlotte Hornets on Oct. 25, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pa. Credit: Getty Images/Mitchell Leff
The Knicks filled the gap left by Mitchell Robinson’s departure Friday, coming to terms on a one-year, $3.9 million deal with 14-year veteran center Andre Drummond.
A league source confirmed the deal, which takes care of the biggest roster issue the Knicks had in the wake of their championship run. They have brought back every main rotation piece other than Jordan Clarkson, who still could fill one of the final roster spots, and Robinson.
In Drummond, the Knicks replaced Robinson with a player who is different but in some ways more versatile. The Knicks liked the prospect of grabbing a veteran center with size, playoff experience and strong rebounding skills.
The $3.9 million salary is the minimum for a player with at least 10 years in the NBA. Most important for the Knicks, who have little room to maneuver as they try to stay under the second apron of the salary cap, he counts as only $2.45 million for cap purposes.
Drummond averaged 6.4 points and 8.4 rebounds for Philadelphia last season and often was pushed into a larger role with Joel Embiid sidelined. He has averaged 12.1 points and 11.9 rebounds for six NBA teams.
Robinson is regarded as the best offensive rebounder in the game. Though Drummond may not be the same player he was earlier in his career, he has led the league in offensive rebounds seven times.
Unlike Robinson, Drummond can stretch the defense. He attempted 90 three-point field goals and converted 32 last season.
Drummond, who will turn 33 years old on Aug. 10, is listed at 6-11 and 279 pounds. He was born in Mount Vernon before moving as a 7-year-old to Connecticut. He starred for UConn and was the ninth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
