Andre Drummond signs with New York Knicks as lone major newcomer

Andre Drummond is joining the New York Knicks as the lone major newcomer for the reigning champions, providing veteran depth and rebounding expertise for his eighth NBA team.

Drummond Signs With Hometown Team After Title Run

Growing up just outside New York City in Mount Vernon, Drummond watched the Knicks sweep Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference semifinals during their run to the title. He noted that he told a friend during that series that the Knicks might win it all. When sorting through his options in the summer of 2026, signing with the team he cheered for as a child made the most sense for his career and his family. The 33-year-old center brings a career average of 12.1 points and 11.9 rebounds to New York. Since entering the league in 2012, Drummond has led the NBA in rebounding four times and trails only LeBron James in total boards grabbed over that span. However, the veteran acknowledged he has never experienced a situation across his six previous NBA teams where he is the only primary new player entering an established roster. It’s like an outcast trying to just fit in, but the guys are very welcoming, Drummond said.

Replacing Mitchell Robinson in the Frontcourt

Drummond arrives to fill the frontcourt void left by Mitchell Robinson, the longest-tenured Knicks player who departed in free agency to join the Boston Celtics. Robinson served as a primary backup and defensive presence behind starting center Karl-Anthony Towns. While acknowledging Robinson’s contributions, Knicks captain Jalen Brunson emphasized that Drummond is not expected to mimic Robinson’s exact style of play. Obviously Mitch was near and dear to all our hearts, obviously, Brunson said. And I think the best part about this situation Andre’s in, he’s not coming in to be Mitch, he’s coming to be himself. So we’ve got to give him the confidence to go out there and be himself.

Head coach Mike Brown expressed confidence in the veteran center’s ability to transition smoothly. He’s a veteran, Brown said. He’s been there, done that, with a few different teams. Beyond his traditional interior presence, Drummond expanded his offensive range by making 32 three-pointers during the 2025–26 season, a sharp increase from the 18 triples he hit over his first 13 seasons combined. He intends to keep shooting from beyond the arc when opportunities arise, complementing his rebounding and pick-and-roll defense as the Knicks prepare to defend their championship.