This off-season, numerous rumors have swirled about a potential trade involving the New York Knicks and All-NBA forward Julius Randle.
Speculation has connected New York to Karl-Anthony Towns of the Minnesota Timberwolves, but there hasn’t been much progress on a potential deal recently. A direct salary swap seems unlikely, as Towns is set to begin a massive four-year, $220.4 million contract with a $61 million cap hit in the 2027–28 season.
The Logic Against Trading Randle
Trading Randle doesn’t make sense unless the Knicks can find a player who can perform at an even higher level. Randle, 29, averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, five assists, and shot .472 from the field over 46 games this past season.
His season was cut short due to a dislocated shoulder, leaving the Knicks scrambling at power forward. Acquiring OG Anunoby helped mitigate his loss somewhat, but the team can now better utilize Randle’s strengths, such as playing close to the basket and using his aggression to drive to the rim and draw fouls.
Randle’s Role on the Court
Randle shot .311 from three-point range last season, but the Knicks no longer need him shooting from the perimeter. They can position him in the paint, where his physicality can lead to high conversion rates and strong rebounding. Randle’s ability to win one-on-one battles often requires opponents to double-team him in the paint, creating open perimeter shots for teammates.
Additionally, Randle can function as a big man, helping rebound and providing energy in the paint. With the Knicks seeking a backup center to pair with Mitchell Robinson, Randle’s role becomes even more crucial. He doesn’t need to handle clutch situations anymore, where he previously struggled.
Leadership in the Final Moments
Star point guard Jalen Brunson has become the primary ball handler and scorer in the closing moments of tight games. Randle needs to focus on positioning and rebounding to give his team second-chance opportunities.
Randle’s Fit with the Team
Randle fits well within the current team dynamics. With Mikal Bridges and Anunoby on the wings, Randle adds physicality inside with significant scoring potential around the basket. He doesn’t need to take three-point shots; instead, he should wear down opposing big men and force defensive rotations.
Randle had played at least 71 games in three consecutive seasons before his recent injury, which bodes well for a Knicks team long plagued by injuries. With Bridges’ durability and Brunson playing 77 games last season, the Knicks are trending positively.
Randle’s Contract and Future
Randle is entering the final year of a four-year, $117 million contract. He has a player option for the 2025–26 season at $30.1 million but will likely opt out to seek a lucrative payday as he enters his 30s. He could command around $40 million per season or more with the upcoming NBA media rights deal. Therefore, the Knicks need to maximize his talent now before potentially losing him as a free agent next off-season.
