A recent mock trade scenario suggests the New York Knicks could emerge as significant winners by dealing All-Star Julius Randle.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz proposed a trade that would send Randle to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for P.J. Washington, Daniel Gafford, Jaden Hardy, and two future second-round picks. Swartz highlighted the potential benefits for the Knicks, noting:
“The Knicks need another center with Hartenstein gone, a role Gafford (11.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.1 blocks, 72.5 percent shooting) can serve as either a starter or reserve. Washington (12.9 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 0.8 blocks) is a solid rotation forward, and Hardy, 22, packs some scoring punch and potential off the bench.”
Gafford could address the Knicks’ need at center, being the most efficient player in the league last season with a 72.5 percent field goal percentage on 6.5 attempts per game. Besides rebounding effectively, the 25-year-old added 2.2 blocks per game. Gafford’s youth, mobility, and pick-and-roll effectiveness align with Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau’s preferences for a center, complementing All-Star Jalen Brunson’s game. Gafford even came close to breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s 57-year-old record of 35 consecutive field goals made, missing by just two.
Washington would provide the Knicks with a power forward similar in play style to Randle. The Kentucky native averaged 1.8 threes per game last season for the Charlotte Hornets and Mavericks, shooting 37 percent from beyond the arc. Washington has potential that could flourish in New York.
Hardy, a talented combo guard, has shown promise when given opportunities. In his rookie season, he averaged 8.8 points in just 14.8 minutes per game. As a starter in five games, his averages jumped to 21.2 points, five rebounds, and 3.2 assists. Known for his scoring ability off the bench, Hardy could be an ideal backup for Brunson.
The inclusion of two second-round picks makes the deal even more attractive for the Knicks. This trade package for Randle would allow Mikal Bridges to step into the No. 2 role in New York and potentially see OG Anunoby thrive with more offensive touches.
The key question remains whether the Mavericks would want to add the ball-dominant Randle alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Dallas’s offense would feature three players capable of averaging 25 PPG, with Randle potentially thriving as a No. 3 option in a championship-contending role. Meanwhile, the Knicks will continue to field trade rumors and mock deals as the NBA world waits to see if they will move Randle.
