Julius Randle has had a tough year in New York. After a breakout 2020-21 season that saw him win Most Improved Player, be named to the All-NBA team, be an All-Star, and secure a contract extension, Randle seems to have seen a dip this season.
It’s looking like the Knicks will not be able to make consecutive playoff appearances, with them currently sitting five games behind the Atlanta Hawks for the 10th seed. Randle has been a major talking point all season, with a visible change in effort from last season in his play. He has also been spotted having dust-ups with assistant coaches.
Amidst all the troubles, rumors had emerged that Randle requested to be traded away from the Knicks this off-season, as the Knicks anyway look to pay R.J. Barrett his rookie extension. However, Randle has come out and vociferously denied these claims to Ian Begley.
Julius Randle asked about unconfirmed WFAN report that stated he asked management for a trade after Monday’s game vs. CHI: “That’s just not true bro, it’s just not true. It’s just as simple as that.”
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 31, 2022
Randle is owed over $100 million over the course of his four-year contract extension, and his recent play doesn’t make him a very valuable trade chip for New York. However, the Knicks will be hoping to make great complementary additions to the squad to return to playoff contention next season.
There has been reported animosity between the Knicks franchise and head coach Tom Thibodeau, but it looks like management will continue sticking with the veteran coach for the rest of the season. The Knicks have fallen in the cycle of firing coaches repeatedly before, so it is best to build some continuity with Thibs.
The trade market for Randle won’t be especially deep right now and he is better off staying in New York and supplanting his strong numbers with efficiency and versatility. He wants to stay a New York Knick, but after a point, the franchise may need to move him to get something better. To secure his future, Randle needs to play up to his price tag.
