Alarming update may be the final straw for a long-time Knicks player

With NBA preseason underway, New York Knicks fans are getting their first chance to see their new-look team in action. So far, through two games, the results have mostly been very impressive, with Karl-Anthony Towns adding a new dimension to an already talented Knicks roster.

Despite the strong play, the latest news surrounding starting center Mitchell Robinson has put a damper on some of that excitement. While Robinson was expected to come back sometime in December, it now appears that he will instead be out at least until January.

Mitchell Robinson's health status puts the New York Knicks in a bind.

That calls into question his status for the rest of the season. After all, he hasn't played a game since May 6th, with five months in between. Now he will miss around three more months but who is to say that he will be ready then after previously being reported to come back in early December?

Without Robinson, the Knicks may have to rely on playing Towns at the starting five and possibly Precious Achiuwa as his backup. If and when Robinson returns, then he may rejoin the starting five and help add depth to the Knicks. After all, with Robinson out, Josh Hart may essentially start in his place with others sliding up a position, but he could move back to the bench and reinforce their second unit.

The New York Knicks may consider trading Mitchell Robinson.

Despite Robinson being the team's longest-tenured player, the Knicks might consider trading him with several potential deals that make sense. His $14 million salary is the closest thing that they have to an expendable salary. One option would be to trade him for a cheaper backup center in a three-team deal that would allow them save salary, get breathing room under the second apron and get a more reliable big man.

When healthy, Robinson is a strong starting center defensively and on the glass. Be that as it may, it is unclear whether he can be relied upon going forward, so the Knicks should consider all their options regarding him. They won't have to make a move now. Instead, they can wait and see both how the Knicks look with Towns at the five and how he progresses.

If the Knicks are blowing the doors off teams offensively and respectably defensively in those lineups then Robinson suddenly becomes expendable. If he progresses nicely, the Knicks aren't as good as expected offensively and struggle defensively, then they should still kick the tires on moving him.