The New York Knicks announced that center Mitchell Robinson will have left ankle surgery this week at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

Robinson will be re-evaluated in 8-10 weeks

Robinson is averaging 6.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks for the Knicks this season while shooting 59.2% from the field and 36.8% from the free-throw line. New York is 12-9 with Mitchell in the lineup.

NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks Updates

The Knicks signed Robinson to a four-year, $60 million contract in July 2022. The Florida native has career NBA averages of 8.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.9 blocks with New York.

The Knicks have signaled to other teams that if the right star becomes available, they will be aggressive in pursuing him. However, the front office has been protective of Robinson in trade talks, according to NBA reporter Fred Katz of The Athletic.

Robinson isn’t untouchable, but the Knicks would prefer to keep the big man.

“The Knicks have been protective of Robinson in trade talks with other teams, league sources told The Athletic,” Katz wrote. “They are not deeming Robinson untouchable, per se, but they’ve also made it clear holding onto him is a priority. Management was particularly impressed with his playoff performance in the first round when he manhandled the Cleveland Cavaliers’ frontcourt, and coach Tom Thibodeau requires an imposing rim protector inside his defense.”

NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Mitchell Robinson, New York Knicks Updates

With Robinson out, the Knicks will start Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, RJ Barrett, Julius Randle and Isaiah Hartenstein.

Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.

Interested in reading the latest storylines and analysis in the NFL? Check out our partner NFL Analysis Network.