The New York Knicks are the definition of an NBA team that has a heart to win a title with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle. After management made several acquisitions before last season’s NBA trade deadline, the Mikal Bridges trade solidified that status.
With Brunson, Bridges, Randle, and OG Anunoby, the Knicks have one of the best cores in the NBA. But that won’t stop Knicks trade rumors from spreading all year long. Even if it means trading one of their best players.
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Julius Randle has ‘neutral’ trade value to New York Knicks
Recently, Fred Katz, one of The Athletic’s New York Knicks insiders, was asked about Julius Randle’s trade value. While there’s no indication that the Knicks are looking to offload their two-time All-NBA forward, he still answered the question to the best of his ability, and the answer may come as a surprise.
“Here’s what makes the Randle trade discussion so difficult: I don’t think there’s an NBA team that would value the three-time All-Star more than the Knicks. I texted that question to someone who works in the front office of a rival team and got the response I expected: ‘Neutral, at best,’ the person replied.”
Randle may have his flaws, like playing just 46 games last season. But the Knicks are a better team with their All-Star forward on the roster when he’s available. Trading him now, after he’s missed nearly half the season, wouldn’t capitalize on his value. In fact, they’d be selling him cheap.
Part of the complication is Randle’s contract situation. At this point, Randle is set to become a free agent after the season. While his nearly $30 million salary cap hit is reasonable next year, teams know Randle is likely looking for a raise on his next contract. Plus, they could simply pursue him as a free agent.
Ultimately, as previously mentioned, the Knicks are better off sticking with what they have, hoping everything falls into place for their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
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