Julius Randle’s future with the New York Knicks has been the subject of much speculation this offseason. While he’s been a major part of the Knicks’ success, averaging 24.0 points and 9.2 rebounds last season, his fit with the team has come into question following the addition of Mikal Bridges. With Randle becoming “extraordinarily tradable” due to his contract and the Knicks looking to potentially move in a new direction, a three-way trade could be on the horizon.
In this mock scenario, Randle heads to the Charlotte Hornets, where he could pair with Miles Bridges, giving the team a powerful frontcourt. For the Knicks, moving Randle opens up salary flexibility and a chance to reshape their roster around Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges.
Mock Trade Details
Hornets receive: Julius Randle
Knicks receive: Grant Williams, Jakob Poeltl, 2030 First-Round Pick (via Hornets)
Raptors receive: Seth Curry, Cody Martin, Jericho Sims, 2028 First-Round Pick (via Hornets)
The Hornets Are Looking To Be Competitive
Julius Randle’s position with the New York Knicks has been in flux ever since the arrival of Jalen Brunson and the team’s offseason acquisition of Mikal Bridges. With Brunson taking over as the primary offensive option and Bridges emerging as a potential key player, Randle may find himself shifting into a more secondary role. Although still highly productive, averaging 24.0 points and 9.2 rebounds last season, his fit within the Knicks’ evolving roster has raised questions about whether his time in New York might be coming to an end.
For the Charlotte Hornets, bringing in Randle offers a significant opportunity to elevate their competitiveness. Randle is a proven All-Star who could seamlessly slide into the Hornets’ lineup alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, creating a dynamic trio. The Hornets have a promising young core but have lacked a true inside presence with scoring power. Randle’s ability to score in the post, rebound, and stretch the floor would address that need perfectly. With his addition, the Hornets would have an immediate path to playoff contention.
In Charlotte, Randle would also have the chance to return to being the team’s primary scorer, much like he was with the Knicks before Brunson’s arrival. This trade gives him a fresh start where he can lead the offensive charge for a team looking to rise in the Eastern Conference. Randle’s experience and All-Star pedigree would complement the youthful talent of Ball and Miller, providing the Hornets with both leadership and the firepower they’ve been missing.
Furthermore, this trade represents a golden opportunity for Randle to establish himself as the face of a franchise again, similar to his role during his All-NBA seasons in New York. With LaMelo Ball handling playmaking duties and Miller emerging as a two-way threat, Randle would have the freedom to dominate in the paint and on the perimeter. His presence could turn Charlotte into a serious playoff contender, something they’ve been striving for in recent years.
For Randle, this move would mark a significant career shift, giving him the chance to lead a young team while still being a focal point on offense. As the Hornets aim to build a contender, his addition could be the key to unlocking their potential in a competitive Eastern Conference.
Two Great Fits For The Knicks In Their Quest For A Title
The New York Knicks are looking to make the final leap towards serious title contention, and this trade provides two key pieces to help them get there. One of their biggest needs has been floor spacing and defense, and that’s exactly what Grant Williams brings. A proven two-way player, Williams is known for his tough defense and reliable three-point shooting, making him an ideal replacement for Julius Randle. He can space the floor for Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, allowing them more room to operate while still providing the versatility to guard multiple positions.
In addition to needing better spacing, the Knicks have also been in search of a reliable backup center. With Mitchell Robinson being prone to injuries, Jakob Poeltl steps in as the perfect insurance policy. Poeltl is an excellent rim protector and rebounder who can give the Knicks a strong presence off the bench, allowing them to maintain their defensive identity even when Robinson is sidelined. His addition ensures that the Knicks won’t be caught off guard if Robinson misses time during the season, which has been a concern in previous years.
This trade would significantly improve the Knicks’ rotation. A starting five of Brunson, Bridges, OG Anunoby, Grant Williams, and Mitchell Robinson would give the Knicks a more balanced and defensively solid lineup. Off the bench, the likes of Josh Hart, Donte DiVincenzo, Jakob Poeltl, and Miles McBride add depth and versatility, making this team even more adaptable to their fast-paced, defense-first style.
With these moves, the Knicks would not only replace Randle but also elevate their overall team composition, allowing them to better fit around Brunson and Bridges while maintaining their defensive edge. This lineup could be one of the most well-rounded rosters in the Eastern Conference, giving the Knicks a legitimate shot at competing for a title.
Some More Future Assets For The Raptors’ Rebuild
For the Raptors, this trade adds a mix of veteran experience and future assets as they continue their rebuilding process. Seth Curry brings immediate value as a seasoned shooter and floor spacer, offering leadership and a reliable scoring option off the bench. His shooting will complement Toronto’s young core while also providing veteran presence in key moments, especially in late-game situations.
On the development side, Jericho Sims offers a lot of potential for the Raptors. With not many young centers in their roster, Sims gives them a raw but athletic big man they can mold into a solid contributor. His upside as a rim protector and rebounder fits well with Toronto’s system, and he could eventually grow into a more prominent role as the team focuses on developing their younger talent.
The future first-round pick from the Hornets also sweetens the deal, giving the Raptors another valuable draft asset. As they look toward the future, accumulating picks is essential for building a competitive team, and this 2028 pick could become an important piece depending on Charlotte’s trajectory. The combination of a veteran like Curry, a prospect like Sims, and a future first-rounder is exactly what the Raptors need to continue their rebuild while staying competitive in the long term.
