O Knicks are entering, without a doubt, the most important offseason in the Leon Rosa era, back-to-back defeats in the second round with the new CBA and its restrictive covenants looming. While the team should feel safe returning with the same roster, they have been trying to make a star swap for years and may feel like this is their last big chance to do so.
Julio Randle could very well be part of such a trade, given the size of his contract and All-Star talent. At first glance, buying a perennial All-NBA player as you approach the edge of contention seems odd, but if the Knicks feel like the right move will take them over the edge, everything will be on the line.
What would that change be and should the Knicks consider it?
Let’s start with Randle, who has scored 25.5 points, nine rebounds and five assists on 50% shooting from the field and 33% from three since the beginning of November. It was a bittersweet season that started off rough and turned into a magical, totally healthy January that coincided with the OG Anunoby trade and finally ended up with a separated shoulder.
If there were any doubts about Randle’s production in the regular season, this season should have put them to rest. Randle once again brought big basketball numbers and wins to the table, improving his game once again as he proved to constantly evolve like other greats.
Perhaps the most compelling stretch was after the Anunoby trade, when the Knicks dominated the league and Randle looked like an ideal blend of heliocentric creation and system cog. New York looked like a certified contender, with Randle being a key piece of that group.
After his and Anunoby’s injuries, the Knicks struggled to maintain a .500 pace for a while until Anunoby returned. Still, Randle’s absence was deeply felt, with the Knicks hungry for offensive creation beyond Jalen Brunson.
Still, the group did well and paved the way for a strong playoff run as injuries mounted late. Fans were robbed of seeing Randle compete at this stage, in what will likely be a major factor in the front office’s decision-making.
To this point, Randle has not performed anywhere near his usual level in the postseason. The 2021 Hawks series was too much for him and he was injured during the 2023 season, able to put together some strong pieces but with a lot of struggles.
Whether or not Randle can contribute at a championship level during a championship run is an open question, a Knicks front office can’t sit idly by and wait to find out with the arrival of the new CBA and an extension due to Randle. And so, this summer’s crossroads: trade it or get it back?
There are three trade paths: trade Randle for parts, another similar All-Star, or package him for a superstar. The first two make little to no sense for this team.
Some Knicks fans may believe this team is better without Randle, but no statistical or objective analysis would support that. His offensive production is matched by few, the same with his build at the four position, which allows him to positively impact the defense and the glass when locked down.
Brunson can’t handle generating offense alone, and while the Knicks were able to fragment it for a while, having a guy with 25+ years of PPG who can put both feet in the paint and find open shooters when he wants takes away a huge burden. There’s simply a lot more value in this than a pu pu dish of braver Nova types.
They could trade Randle for someone of similar caliber who would be a better fit for this team, but the Knicks would have a hard time finding such a name. The main things New York needed most this postseason – offensive creation, size and strength – Randle provides in spades.
Mikal Bridges It’s an interesting idea as another Villanova alum who’s better suited as a super-3-eD supplemental guy, but he’s struggled to create this season and is arguably worse than Randle overall. Laura Markkanen It is Dejounte Murray Bring your own unique looks – but at what cost?
We just witnessed New York go 14-2 in January with their current setup. Expecting one of the names above to replace Randle and perform better is optimistic, to say the least.
Finally, there is negotiation for someone clearly above Randle’s level. If there is a trade involving him that brings someone like Devin Booker, LeBron James or Kevin Durantthey would have to consider that.
Even so, bringing someone who has a culture into a locker room with an already defined and proven successful culture is a risky move. Doing so at Randle’s expense could make any deal untenable.
Anything can happen in the offseason, but don’t be shocked if the Knicks end up standing, especially on Randle. The stars-first approach has suffered some bumps and bruises in recent years regarding organic team building, with New York being a prime example.
If Mitchell Robinson is traded, Randle will be the longest-tenured Knick, the last holdover from the pre-Rose era of failure. He rocked the blue and orange during those fights, his confrontation with Knicks fans in 2022 and every meticulous step taken to revive this once-destitute franchise.
Fans and management should want this to continue.
