Things are not going swimmingly for recently-extended forward Julius Randle and the New York Knicks. They are currently on the outside looking in when it comes to a play-in tournament one season after making a surprise trip to the playoffs.
For the 27-year-old Randle, it’s been a big time struggle after earning NBA’s Most Improved Player a season ago. This has led to speculation that his trade market is not really solid with rumors persisting that New York might move off the forward.
“He hasn’t come across as a good teammate. He has played selfish. His contract isn’t an issue. Perception is.”
NBA scout on New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (February 5, 2022)
Randle inked a four-year, $117 million extension this past summer. As of yet, said deal has not panned out for the Knicks.
- Julius Randle stats (2020-21): 24.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 6.0 APG, 46% shooting, 41% three-point
- Julius Randle stats (2021-22): 18.7 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 5.1 APG, 42% shooting, 31% three-point
Given that other teams are not worried about Randle’s contract, there’s a chance he’ll be moved ahead of the NBA trade deadline later this week. It could be all about a change of scenery for the former lottery pick. As for the Knicks, moving him now in order to help salvage the remainder of the season could be in the cards. If so, here’s a look at three ideal trade scenarios.
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Julius Randle trade to the Washington Wizards
- Knicks get: Spencer Dinwiddie, Montrezl Harrell, Aaron Holiday
- Wizards get: Julius Randle, Kemba Walker
The clock is ticking for Washington to find a true No. 2 option behind Bradley Beal as rumors ramp up regarding his potential departure in free agency this coming summer. It’s led to speculation that the Wizards are set to target two-time Indiana Pacers All-Star big man Domantas Sabonis.
However, there’s a major backdrop to this. Sabonis would cost multiple young players and first-round picks. Washington might not be in position to offer that up should it have to rebuild depending on the Beal situation moving forward. Enter into the equation a player in Randle who could give the Wizards that one final chance to appease Mr. Beal.
In turn, New York moves off Randle’s contract (and seemingly questionable attitude). It adds three rotational players in Dinwiddie, Harrell and Holiday. While this roster likely wouldn’t be enough for the Knicks to contend for a conference title, it would give front office head Leon Rose more flexibility moving forward. It also gives the Knicks a legit starting point guard in Dinwiddie.
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Julius Randle trade to the Atlanta Hawks
- Knicks get: John Collins, Lou Williams
- Hawks get: Julius Randle, Immanuel Quickley, future first-round pick
Both Collins and Randle seem to have fallen out of favor with their respective teams. So, why wouldn’t Atlanta and New York look to pull off a second trade of the calendar year? The idea for Atlanta would to bring in a forward who can play both the two and three while proving capable to average well north of 20 points per game. The Hawks are looking for that true No. 2 scoring opting behind Trae Young. As of yet, Collins has not filled that role.
- John Collins stats (2021-22): 17.0 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 54% shooting, 39% three-point
Atlanta also adds two valuable future trade chips as general manager Travis Schlenk looks to retool this under-performing roster on the fly. Quickley and another first-round pick from New York (via Dallas in 2023) would do just that.
From New York’s perspective, this would be a no-brainer. Despite his issues in Atlanta, Collins is younger than Randle and could be seen as a franchise cornerstone moving forward. He has a working relationship with new Knicks wing Cam Reddish, too.
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Julius Randle trade to the Dallas Mavericks
- Knicks get: Jalen Brunson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dwight Powell, Josh Green
- Mavericks get: Julius Randle, Nerlens Noel, Kemba Walker, future first-round pick
Now, this would be a blockbuster in-season trade. It also makes sense for both teams to an extent. There’s been rumors that Dallas will look to trade Brunson simply because the team might not be able to afford retaining him in free agency this coming summer. Brunson’s performance gives him trade value and would lead to interest from teams like New York.
- Jalen Brunson stats (2021-22): 16.0 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.5 APG, 51% shooting, 35% three-point
Adding Brunson to the mix to go with the recently acquired Cam Reddish would change things up big time for the struggling Knicks. They also get multiple years of Tim Hardaway Jr. after the injured and underrated wing started his career in the Big Apple.
Dallas fancies itself as a win-now contender. With Hardaway Jr. (fractured left foot) out for the long haul, bringing in multiple rotation players would make the most sense. Randle would immediately become the Mavericks’ No. 2 scoring option behind Luka Doncic. Walker fell out of favor in New York and could use a change of scenery. Meanwhile, Noel is a solid two-way inside presence. Acquiring the first-round pick they initially gave up to New York in the Kristaps Porzingis trade would also give the Mavs flexibility moving forward.