New York Knicks Receive: C Nikola Vucevic

Chicago Bulls Receive: F Julius Randle

This deal poses two questions. The first is, how badly do the New York Knicks want to get off of Julius Randle’s contract? The second is, do the Chicago Bulls have any faith in him to turn his career around?

It’s worth noting that two years ago, this deal would have been inconceivable. Julius Randle was on the heels of an All-NBA selection. He was widely regarded as one of the league’s top players. In fact, he was named the league’s Most Improved Player for 2020-21.

Unfortunately, last year made that season look like fool’s gold. Randle’s three-point percentage plummeted, and it had a widespread effect on his performance. It appeared to create friction between the player and the organization. Now, the four-year deal worth $26 million annually the organization awarded him is starting to look like an Albatross.

This deal has them getting off of it, and returning Vucevic’s expiring contract in return. He had a down year in 2021-22 as well, and at 31, there’s less reason for optimism that he’ll turn it around than the 27-year-old Randle.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 2 Trade Packages To Send New York Knicks Star Julius Randle To Chicago Bulls

If the Bulls think Randle can accomplish that, they’re not parting with much to get him here. If the Knicks don’t think he can, they may not be receiving much, but they could deem the financial flexibility to come worth their time.