Will New York cut ties with JR or sign him to a bold extension?
New York Knicks forward Julius Randle is one of the few—if not the only—remaining trade chip in the franchise possession entering the 2024-25 season with, perhaps, still one more and final transaction to make to build the ultimate contending roster.
Randle, while not having much value around the Association as reported by Fred Katz of The Athletic at the end of August, is still a valuable asset if only because of his current contract.
In the eyes of ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, talking on the “The Hoop Collective” podcast episode released on August 30, Randle is “extraordinarily tradable” thanks to his manageable “very attractive” salary of $29 million for the 2024-25 season and the presence of a player option in his deal for the 2025-26 campaign.
Windhorst discussed Randle’s talents and his contract, talking about what the Knicks might do with him going forward in terms of role and potential trades.
“(Randle earns) a very attractive $29 million, his player option for next season is $31 million.
“His value, if he is 100% is more than that. There is no reason why if he is playing at the top of his game, why he shouldn’t seriously consider opting out of that.” — ESPN’s Brian Windhorst
The pundit thinks the Knicks must tread carefully, however, as Randle will most probably sign a new contract for a much higher salary and the franchise will need to find a way to fit that hefty deal in a roster that already boasts a crazy-huge contract in OG Anunoby’s along with the upcoming extension of Mikal Bridge’s deal.
“(Randle) is eligible for a four-year, $181 million extension—not the max, but a significant number. However, the Knicks have to be careful with their salary commitments, because of Anunoby.
“Even though Brunson is a huge discount, that is a big salary on there. And they’re going to have to extend Mikal Bridges as well.” — ESPN’s Brian Windhorst
Randle has been with the Knicks since 2019 and since landing in New York, he’s been named to the All-Star Game three times while also earning nods in the All-NBA 2nd and 3rd Teams in 2021 and 2023, as well as winning the Most Improved Player Award after a breakout 2020-21 season.
Last season, Randle averaged 24 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game before an injury in late January put an early end to his season. Despite his absence, the Knicks managed to secure the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference but were eventually eliminated in a seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers.
Windhorst pointed out that the Knicks still have a few first-round picks available for trade, which could be packaged with Randle in a deal for a higher-profile player or multiple key contributors.
“Because of that $29 million salary, he’s extraordinarily tradable. And the Knicks still do have a couple of extra first-rounds – not extra – there’s no extra anymore.
“The Knicks do still have a couple of first-round picks that they can move.” — ESPN’s Brian Windhorst
The Knicks’ current roster is far from weak, mind you, but with all of OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, and Randle having gone through their fair share of injury woes lately it wouldn’t hurt (no pun intended) to move one of the latter two for someone that could potentially increase the talent on the court while providing stout health and availability.
There is also the possibility of losing Randle for nothing at the end of next season if both parties cannot agree to an extension. It’s never felt like Randle is looking for an exit and he’s (for the most part) looked really happy to be around NYC and playing for the Knicks since signing with the franchise more than five years ago. It’s fair to say it’d be shocking if Randle and the Knicks’ brass cannot agree to something before the forward hits free agency.
Alas, there is always the chance New York is simply outbid by other franchises if it doesn’t have the financial means to pony up big bucks (hello, I-Hart).