Jalen Brunson Reveals True Feelings On Mitchell Robinson Joining Rival Celtics

Jalen Brunson does not plan on letting this New York Knicks and Boston Celtics rivalry hamper the relationship that he has already built with his former teammate Mitchell Robinson . But Brunson was sure to mention that principle certainly disappears when the two teams meet.

Robinson left the defending champion Knicks this offseason and signed a three-year, $47.4 million contract with the Celtics, one of their biggest rivals.

Speaking with Stefan Bondy of the New York Post , Brunson made it clear that he is happy Robinson got his next big opportunity, regardless of where it came from.

"Obviously, playing for a rival, and I know people want every team to hate each other. "But there are some people you really care for, and that's my guy. I'm happy for him. And now, whenever we play him, four times a year, he's not my friend that day."

That response perfectly captures the very complicated dynamic that has been created because of Robinson's move.

Robinson spent years next to Brunson in New York and became an important part of the Knicks' championship run. His numbers were never that great, but his rebounding, rim protection, and physicality gave the Knicks a valuable weapon in the frontcourt.

Last season, Robinson averaged 1.2 blocks per game, despite playing just less than 20 minutes per night. His size and athleticism made him a very dangerous lob threat, and he was one of the league's most disruptive offensive rebounders.

Now those same qualities will be working against Brunson and the Knicks.

Robinson's departure was very interesting, especially after he said that he did not want to leave the Knicks . Robinson explained this on social media, responding to his former teammate OG Anunoby .

"I tried, brother. I didn't want this to happen. Hopefully, the truth comes out at some point. I'm gonna miss you, big dawg! Keep being great."

The decision appeared to be really influenced by the New York Knicks' financial limitations.

After winning the 2026 NBA title, the Knicks already had an expensive roster and reportedly wanted to avoid the second tax apron. That left Robinson as one of the players the Knicks could not comfortably retain, despite his importance to the team.

His move to Boston added another layer to the rivalry. Josh Hart jokingly told Robinson, "Bag well deserved. You an op now though," after the Celtics deal became official.

Robinson later fired back at Hart on social media , showing how quickly former teammates have embraced the competitive side of the move.

Brunson, however, is taking a more cautious and measured approach.

He understands why fans want players from rival teams to genuinely hate each other, particularly when the Knicks and Celtics are involved. But years spent sharing a locker room and winning a championship together do not disappear just because Robinson changed uniforms.

But that does not mean Brunson plans to take it easy on him. Boston plans to use Robinson as part of its center rotation, potentially behind Neemias Queta , giving the Celtics another elite rebounder and rim protector.

The Knicks and Celtics will see each other four times during the regular season, and another playoff matchup is certainly possible.

For Brunson, the line is simple: Robinson is still family away from the court. Once the ball goes up against Boston, that friendship, however, is officially on hold.