Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
If the Knicks make this deal, they’ve clearly concluded that Randle is not a franchise player. Let’s be honest – that’s probably true.
Realistically, 2020-21 was probably an outlier. That’s not to say Randle can’t be a positive contributor – he absolutely can. He’s got a great shot at returning to fringe stardom. All the same, if he never makes an All-NBA team again, nobody should be shocked.
Meanwhile, the Knicks clear their books of their least tradeable contract here. That could allow them to become the major players in the trade and free agency market that they seem to be vying to become. In comparison to teammates like Evan Fournier, Randle occupies a strange place on the trade market.
You wouldn’t acquire him as a salary to make a deal work, yet, few teams would be in a position to land him for his own sake, either.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Julius Randle, New York Knicks & Charlotte Hornets Updates
The Hornets might be an exception. Meanwhile, Washington is a solid, multi-positional defender who spaces the floor. In time, Thor could be the same. Finally, Oubre Jr is an expiring contract.
Landing him in exchange for Randle would give the Knicks a little financial comfort.
