1. Gauge Trade Market For Julius Randle

The 2021-22 season could not have gone much worse for Julius Randle than it did. While his raw statistics were still solid, as he averaged 20.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game, he took a step back from his production during the 2020-21 season.

Randle was named an All-Star that season and earned a spot on the All-NBA Second Team. That earned him a contract extension that pays $29.25 million annually, but his name has been mentioned in some trade rumors this offseason.

He struggled to keep his composure at times as he would get into it with fans. His thumbs-down gesture drew a lot of attention and he didn’t seem engaged at the same level of intensity he was the previous season. While his value is low, the New York Knicks should do their due diligence when it comes to trade talks involving him.

Obi Toppin is certainly ready for a bigger role. When Randle was sidelined near the end of the season, Toppin exploded for some huge performances. He has earned the trust of head coach Tom Thibodeau and is ready for more playing time.

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However, that playing time increase won’t come as long as Randle is on the roster as Thibodeau does not like playing them together. Something will have to give and ultimately, it should be New York turning things over to their young guys. For that to occur, Randle will have to be traded to another team.