The New York Knicks appear to be done making blockbuster trades for now, as The Athletic’s Fred Katz reports that he has “absolutely no indication that the Knicks are trying to trade” Julius Randle (h/t KnicksMuse).
“None whatsoever,” the insider emphasizes.
Knicks Standing Pat On Could-Be Blockbuster Julius Randle Trade
The Knicks probably aren’t so transparent with their offseason plans that they’re a completely open book. Unlike Chicago Bulls executive vice president Arturas Karnisovas or Denver Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth, Knicks president Leon Rose has kept his cards close to the vest. That being said, sourced reports are always to be taken with a grain of salt.
Nonetheless, Katz’s cachet was earned, not given. As a result, it’s probable that New York really isn’t shopping Randle. They could be willing to listen to offers on the three-time All-Star because motivated teams may make mind-blowing offers. Unironically, the Knicks proved that to be true when they sent the Brooklyn Nets five first-round picks for Mikal Bridges.
As far as New York putting out feelers to see what Randle could net though? That ship has either sailed or it’s anchored in the Atlantic Ocean.
Never Say Never
The Knicks could still seek a Randle trade.
After they completed the deal for Bridges, Randle said he was excited about teaming up with his former division rival. However, with Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart all likely to play heavy minutes, the scoring-minded forward could feel a crunch. Though he’s physical enough to slide to center in smaller lineups, he’s never been much of an interior defender.
Certainly, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau is a defensive guru who could try to coach him up at that end. Yet, the duo has been together in New York since 2020-21. If he hasn’t taken his defensive responsibilities more seriously by now, anticipating that he will in the future is a recipe for disappointment.
As the Knicks have been perusing for a center, the door for Randle’s potential exit opens even further.
What Are Their Trade Options?
It was only a couple of months ago that big men like Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen were drawing ample trade interest. Cleveland appears to be leaning towards holding onto the 26-year-old. However, the Cavs have waffled on whether to keep Allen for a couple of seasons now. Due to his skill and positional overlap with Evan Mobley, Cleveland may decide they have no choice but to move him to maximize their young cornerstone offensively.
Other center options for the Knicks include: Walker Kessler (Utah Jazz); Jalen Duren (Detroit Pistons); and Clint Capela (Atlanta Hawks). A common trait amongst these big men is that they’re all elite rebounders.
Interestingly, the only centers whose annual salary is similar to Randle’s are Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat) and Deandre Ayton (Portland Trail Blazers).
The Heat are unlikely to move Adebayo for the foreseeable future. Since being drafted in 2017, he’s become one of the most respected two-way players in the NBA. Meanwhile, Ayton doesn’t seem to be in the Blazers’ long-term plans. However, Portland’s front office might consider adding Randle to their core in order to compete for a playoff spot.
