Exclusive: Knicks’ position on Julius Randle’s trade was made public
This offseason, the New York Knicks must make some important choices. Primarily, what should be done with All-Star Julius Randle?
With Randle out due to a season-ending shoulder injury sustained against the Miami Heat in late January, the Knicks were just one victory away from the Eastern Conference Finals. He ended up sitting out the entire playoffs as well as the last 36 games of the regular season.
The Athletic’s Fred Katz claims that the Knicks are “not trying to trade Randle.” The organization is reportedly aware, though, that if New York chooses to chase a different star on the trade market, Randle’s deal might make him the odd man out.
With just one guaranteed year remaining on his deal, Randle will have the highest salary on the team for the upcoming season at $30.3 million. Randle is the most sensible trade candidate if the Knicks need to match wages in order to sign a big-name player because of his contract number.
On August 3, Randle also becomes qualified to sign a contract extension with the Knicks. The Knicks may decide to offer Randle a long-term contract extension and use him as trade bait when the 2025 trade deadline rolls around.
Before becoming injured this season, Randle was selected for his third straight All-Star team. In 46 games, he averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists.
