Does this trade make sense for the New York Knicks?
The New York Knicks potentially moving on from Julius Randle in the offseason is starting to look somewhat believable as we near the end of the regular season.
Randle’s role with New York has decreased as the year has progressed and with other young talents in R.J. Barrett, Obi Toppin, and Immanuel Quickley emerging for this team, Julius Randle’s role moving forward is going to continue to decrease.
Set to make $106.4 million over the next four seasons, now may be the best time for the Knicks to get out of Julius Randle’s contract while his value is at an all-time high.
A package of Jerami Grant, Cory Joseph, and a protected 2024 first-round pick is definitely not what the Knicks have in mind value-wise for Randle, but there is an upside to this trade.
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With Grant and Joseph entering the final years of their contracts, the Knicks could free up $25 million in cap space entering the 2023 offseason and free agency. Not to mention, they could re-sign Jerami Grant and possibly still have the ability to add a $20 million-plus contract in 2023 free agency, allowing the Knicks to finally build a championship-contending roster.
Moving Julius Randle seems to be the key to the New York Knicks finding ways to improve for the future, especially if they are unable to land another All-Star to pair with him and Barrett this upcoming offseason.
