The New York Knicks are at a crossroads with two-time All-NBA selection Julius Randle, with the forward-looking out-of-place in the new-look Knicks on an expiring contract. The team has already committed long-term salaries to Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby, along with an impending contract extension for Mikal Bridges. Given the pitfalls of the new salary cap, it doesn’t look like the Knicks can afford a max Randle extension.
The Atlanta Hawks have gotten rid of Trae Young’s co-star Dejounte Murray and opened up salary flexibility to acquire a complementary co-star for Young, preferably in the frontcourt. Given the needs of both the Hawks and the Knicks, the teams could come to terms on a trade that sends Randle to the Hawks.
Trade Details
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Julius Randle, Keita Bates-Diop, Tyler Kolek
New York Knicks: Clint Capela, Larry Nance Jr., 2027 First-Round Pick (NOP), 2027 Second-Round Pick (LAC), 2028 Second-Round Pick (HOU)
Randle would be an excellent fit as a high-production two-way forward on the Hawks, with Capela’s departure opening up a space for Onyeka Okongwu to become a full-time starter. The Knicks receive two talented big men, with Nance Jr. having multi-positional versatility as a solid small-ball center along with the rebounding and rim-protecting Capela.
The Hawks Make A Move To Win Now
Randle is one of the premier forwards in the NBA but there’s a redundancy with him on the Knicks. As a result, the Hawks can capitalize and acquire one of the best power forwards in the NBA but as an expiring contract. That does entail risk on the Hawks’ part to retain Randle as a free agent. Nonetheless, it’ll be a worthy risk given the Hawks aren’t sacrificing any of their own picks.
Randle averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists last season but struggled with injury, adding to the risk the Hawks are taking with him. However,m if he can produce at that high of a level alongside Young, the Hawks would return to contention in the top-six of the East. If it doesn’t work out, the Hawks can maintain flexibility by retaining Randle on a cheap contract or letting him walk.
Losing Capela and Nance could create a small-time center rotation problem for the Hawks, but they are more than capable of withstanding that with Randle being versatile enough to play small-ball center. The additions of Keita Bates-Diop and rookie Tyler Kolek will be rotational helo, but this is primarily a deal to get Randle to be the co-star Young needs as a star frontcourt player.
The Knicks Create A Sustainable Roster
The Knicks proved last season that they could be successful without Randle, climbing to the No. 2 seed in the East with a late-season winning run while Randle was injured. With the Knicks going 20-3 in the regular season with OG Anunoby or Josh Hart playing the forward as defensive-minded players, the Knicks would be better off leaning into that direction by starting both of them alongside Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges in the backcourt.
Mitchell Robinson’s injury history is hard to constantly monitor, which is why the Knicks can get two solid big men as insurance. Capela averaged 11.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks last season and will be a solid role-playing center who will block shots and provide relief at the rim. Larry Nance Jr. is a versatile small-ball five or natural power forward who can stretch the floor. He averaged 5.7 points and 5.0 rebounds last season.
The Knicks won’t have to worry about filling holes at the center position or worrying about having to overpay Randle to keep him on the roster. This adds role players to a solid core and would make the Knicks arguably the second-best team in the East behind the Celtics.
Both Teams Make Moves To Keep Winning
This deal might see the Hawks acquiring the better player but it’s a deal that works for both franchises. Randle will have a star-like opportunity on the Hawks to influence winning and show the lengths of his All-NBA skillset alongside a floor-setter like Young. Given the strength of the overall roster and a coach like Quin Snyder, the Hawks will have a solid chance at contending for a top-six seed in the East and escape their Play-In woes.
The Knicks don’t need a star like Randle anymore and it was proven last season with the success they had without him. They need to dial in on maximizing the peripheral play of the role-players behind Brunson and possibly Bridges, who played as a No. 1 option for the better part of the last two seasons. Capela and Nance Jr. won’t be high-maintenance players and the Knicks will succeed as a result.
Hopefully, this deal works out well for both sides with the potential for success being there. The Hawks get a certified co-star while the Knicks round out their championship core.
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