Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal

Again, this deal is all about retaining control for the Knicks. Their reasoning is not complicated here: Gordon Hayward’s contract runs half as long as Randle’s. That’s all you need to know.

Of course, predicting what the Knicks may do this summer is a challenge. Until Donovan Mitchell’s situation resolves, that will be the case. On the other hand, this deal could benefit them whether they land Mitchell or not.

If they do, the Knicks could feel that, rather than keeping Randle as a second option, they’d prefer some flexibility to go land a bigger star down the line.

Meanwhile, Hayward is still a productive NBA player. An offense built around Mitchell, Hayward, and Jalen Brunson ought to be at least competent in 2022-23.

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When Hayward’s contract expires, the Knicks may be able to put themselves in a position to land a player who elevates them above mere competency. That’ll be a significantly harder goal to achieve with Randle’s money on the books through to 2026.