Every NBA player dreams of winning the championship. Once they reach the summit, it is not always about a summer of celebration. The NBA calendar moves straight into free agency, and for some, it is the perfect time to capitalise and strike it rich.
This has just happened in 2026, with one of the key stars on the New York Knicks cashing in with a shock move to an Eastern Conference rival.
Mitchell Robinson: 2026
Mitchell Robinson broke the hearts of New York Knicks fans by leaving in free agency to sign with the Boston Celtics. Anywhere but there!
Robinson was a key part of the Knicks’ title success, with his rebounding helping the Knicks to combat the unique threat of Victor Wembanyama.
The Knicks’ title run came together after years of careful roster building. It is a real blow to lose such a fan favorite, and a player who was respected so much by his coach and teammates.
Robinson signed a three-year, $47.4 million deal with the Boston Celtics. The Knicks did not want to go into the second apron. Direct your complaints to James Dolan.
| Mitchell Robinson 2026 Playoffs | Average |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 18 |
| Minutes Per Game | 13.9 |
| Points Per Game | 4.8 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 5.5 |
| Blocks Per Game | 0.6 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 67.3% |
| Free Throw Percentage | 29.3% |
Gary Payton II: 2022
Gary Payton II was an integral role player as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals.
Payton II chipped in with 15 points from the bench in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, helping the Warriors take a crucial 3-2 lead in a game where Stephen Curry only managed 16 points.
He left immediately in free agency to sign a three-year, $28 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, before being traded back to the Warriors later that season.
| Gary Payton II 2022 Playoffs | Average |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 12 |
| Minutes Per Game | 16.9 |
| Points Per Game | 6.5 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 3.1 |
| Assists Per Game | 1.3 |
| Steals Per Game | 1.2 |
| Blocks Per Game | 0.6 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 65.9% |
Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard: 2020
LA Lakers governor Jeanie Buss admitted that the franchise made a big mistake by not keeping the 2020 title-winning team together.
Two veterans were allowed to walk out of the door despite their pivotal roles. Rajon Rondo left after his playoff heroics to sign a deal with the Atlanta Hawks.
Dwight Howard also did not renew with the Lakers, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a one-year deal. He returned to LA a year later.
Kawhi Leonard: 2019
Kawhi Leonard did the impossible and delivered a title to the Toronto Raptors, defeating the legendary Golden State Warriors in the 2019 Finals.
Leonard scored 30.5 points per game during the playoffs in a truly memorable run, beating the Magic, 76ers and Bucks on their way to the Finals.
Sadly the Raptors and Leonard could not share the celebration of their success for long, as he had made the decision to leave.
Leonard began a free agent scramble for his signature, with the Lakers interested before signing a three-year $103 million deal with the LA Clippers.
The Raptors have finally brought Leonard back this offseason, agreeing a trade with the Clippers seven years on.
| Kawhi Leonard 2019 NBA Finals | Average |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 24 |
| Minutes Per Game | 39.1 |
| Points Per Game | 30.5 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 9.1 |
| Assists Per Game | 3.9 |
| Steals Per Game | 1.7 |
| Blocks Per Game | 0.7 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 49.0% |
| Free Throw Percentage | 88.4% |
Tyson Chandler: 2011
Tyson Chandler was part of the Dallas Mavericks‘ shock 2011 NBA Finals win over LeBron James’ Miami Heat, playing 37.1 minutes per game during the series.
The Mavericks stunned the NBA world with their subsequent decision not to re-sign Chandler, citing long-term injury worries and a desire to clear the books to lure free agents.
Chandler signed with the New York Knicks, where his performances saw him win the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2012.
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