Julius Randle is a useful trade asset for the Knicks, according to Brian Windhorst. Speaking on ‘The Hoop Collective’ podcast, Windhorst noted that Randle’s relatively cheap salary of $29 million, he is an attractive trade asset, who could be combined with some draft picks to land a bigger star or multiple key players.
“A very attractive $29 million, his player option for next season is $31 million. His value, if he is 100% is more than that. There is no reason why if he is playing at the top of his game, why he shouldn’t seriously consider opting out of that… He didn’t become eligible to sign the contract extension until this month…”
“He is eligible for a four-year, $181 million extension. However, the Knicks have to be careful with their salary commitments, because of Anunoby. Even though Brunson is a huge discount, that is a big salary on there. And they’re going to have to extend Mikal Bridges as well…”
“Because of that $29 million salary, he’s extraordinarily tradable. And the Knicks still do have a couple of extra first-rounds – not extra – there’s no extra anymore. The Knicks do still have a couple of first-round picks that they can move.”
(29:22 onwards)
Julius Randle has been with the Knicks for five years now, and can be credited in large part to their turnaround in fortunes. Since joining the Knicks in 2019, the franchise has reached the playoffs three out of five seasons he has been there, after years of a playoff drought for the franchise.
But as the Knicks move in a different direction, Randle may be surplus to requirements, and they could move him to alleviate some of their cap concerns, or to land a star that better suits their needs going forward. Randle is definitely a player to keep an eye on in the months to come.
Would Randle Moving Make The Knicks Weaker?
On paper, the Knicks have one of the strongest starting fives in the NBA, with Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Mikal Bridges, Julius Randle, and Mitchell Robinson providing excellent play at all five positions. One has to wonder whether losing Randle would make the Knicks weaker.
In the now-stacked Eastern Conference with the reigning champion Celtics and the new-look 76ers, that has to be a thought that weighs on the Knicks. But the Knicks at least get to choose what player, or players, they get in return for Randle, as he is still under contract with them.
Last season, Randle had a great season cut short thanks to injuries. He averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists prior to getting hurt. His injury turned out to be a season-ender, as he didn’t make an appearance for the Knicks in the post-season at all.
A player like Randle would demand another player of a similar salary in order to fit under the current NBA salary cap.
And the Knicks could identify a set of tradeable stars in the coming months for whom they will be willing to part ways with Randle. But it has to be a deal that makes the Knicks better in what is bound to be a competitive Eastern Conference.
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