The Knicks entered this past offseason with big aspirations. Many looked at them as a top free agency destination and potential contenders
this year. After every big-name free agent looked them off, the Knicks decided to go a different route. They opted to sign a bunch of mid-tier veterans and an all-star caliber player in Julius Randle.
Though it wasn’t the offseason they wanted, many people looked at these moves as a way for the Knicks to become competitive but, these moves haven’t worked out and this past offseason is looking more and more like a disaster.
After a 4-18 start, the Knicks opted to fire Head Coach David Fizdale and made Mike Miller their head coach. The Knicks are still mediocre and have made everyone except for R.J. Barrett available. Their biggest trade piece is Julius Randle and he could get them some great pieces. Randle was the Knicks’ big signing this offseason and after a rocky start to the season, he has picked up his play as of late.
In December, he averaged 21.4 points and 8.6 rebounds on 46.7% shooting from the field and 31.3% from three. This improved play has increased his trade value and he could be the missing piece on playoff teams. Here are 5 teams that could look to trade for Julius Randle.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The OKC Thunder have surprised a lot of people this season. After an offseason where they traded away their two superstar players, Russell Westbrook and Paul George, many people expected them to bottom out but, with their guard trio of Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Dennis Schroder, they are currently the 7th seed in the Western Conference with a comfortable 4.5 games ahead of the 8th-seeded Spurs. Adding Randle could improve their playoff chances and give them another building block for the future.
A potential trade would be Andre Roberson, Darius Bazley, Terrance Ferguson, Hamidou Diallo, and a future first-round pick in exchange for Julius Randle and Damyean Dotson. The Knicks would receive 2 young players for the future as well as draft capital while the Thunder would receive a 3rd player who looks to be emerging into a star and a nice rotational piece in Dotson.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are another team that has surprised a lot of people as they are looking to compete for a playoff spot. Currently, at the 9th seed, the Hornets have an uphill battle as they are 3 games behind the Magic and Randle could make their playoff push a lot easier.
A potential trade would be Randle in exchange for Marvin Williams, Malik Monk, Dwyane Bacon, and a protected first-round pick. The Knicks get a player in Monk who could improve with a change of scenery and more draft capital while the Hornets get a near 20 point-per-game scorer to pair alongside Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Wolves need help. After an impressive start, the team has come back down to earth and is currently the 11th seed in the Western Conference. With Karl-Anthony Towns voicing frustrations with the team, it would make sense for them to be aggressive and get KAT a potential all-star.
A potential trade would be Jeff Teague, Jarrett Culver, and multiple 2nd round picks in exchange for Julius Randle. Randle and KAT would form a nice, young frontcourt for the Wolves while Culver could mesh and improve with Barrett on the Knicks.
Phoenix Suns
After a hot start, the Suns have come back down to earth as in their last 10 games, they are just 3-7. With injuries piling up, they must look to make a move to stay afloat.
A potential trade would be Julius Randle in exchange for Tyler Johnson, Mikal Bridges, and a future 2nd round pick. A big-three of Booker, Randle, and Ayton would make the Suns’ playoff contenders for years to come and Bridges could become a great rotational player for the Knicks.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers have been mediocre to start the season. Coming into the season, many looked at this team as potential title contenders but, due to the loss of key players due to free agency and injuries, they are currently on the outside looking in. With a measly 15-21, the Blazers need to make a move or else this season will be a wash.
A potential trade would be Hassan Whiteside, Anfernee Simons, and a heavily protected first-round pick in exchange for Julius Randle and Bobby Portis. Anfernee Simons could become the point guard of the future for this team and Whiteside’s contract is up at the end of the season, meaning you would create a ton of cap space with this trade. Randle would be an ideal fit on this team and would be the best power forward they could get. At 25, there is no panic if you cannot win it this season. A big-three of Lillard, McCollum, and Randle should be able to contend in the West and after another offseason, this team could become dangerous.
Next
The Most Important NBA Rumors Right Now: Los Angeles Lakers, Karl-Anthony Towns And CJ McCollum
Best New Year Wishes For Every NBA Team In 2020
Every Defensive Player Of The Year By Position In Chronological Order
Rival NBA Executive: ‘Lakers Need Another Playmaker, Rondo’s Not What He Used To Be’
