New York Knicks Facing Trade Pressure Involving Star

Julius Randle has posted impressive statistics since joining the New York Knicks as a free agent in 2019. Before a shoulder injury halted his season in late January, he averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, securing an NBA All-Star nomination.

However, despite these solid figures, perceptions linger that Randle often slows down the Knicks’ game. This view and the fact that the team’s performance doesn’t drastically drop without him fuels ongoing trade rumors, especially with Randle entering the latter half of his four-year, $117 million contract.

As the Knicks prepare for the playoffs without Randle, the outcome of their performance could intensify discussions about his future.

“There is going to be a lot of pressure on them to move him, no matter what they do in the playoffs,” an Eastern Conference GM told Heavy Sports. “If they win without him, then they do not need him. If they lose without him, then they need to make big changes, and he’s really the only tool they have to make a big change.”

In 2021, the Knicks secured Randle with a four-year extension, leaving the possibility of him staying through the 2025 season open. Yet, if New York aims to elevate its status in the Eastern Conference, trading Randle might become necessary to acquire another star player.

Randle’s role as a ball-dominant player complicates potential deals, particularly as the Knicks shift their focus toward players like Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, the latter of whom is due for a contract renewal.

Despite the challenges, the Knicks are well-positioned with all their first-round picks intact, plus additional picks from the Dallas Mavericks and forthcoming ones from Washington and Detroit. They hope a package involving Randle, possibly another player like Bojan Bogdanovic or Mitchell Robinson, and these picks could attract a transformative player this offseason.