When the New York Knicks signed Julius Randle to a four-year, $117 million contract extension this offseason, the franchise believed it was investing in a star. Months later, New York is quickly finding out how low Randle’s trade value is across the NBA.
Randle earned the lucrative extension after a phenomenal 2020-’21 NBA season. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged a career-high 24.1 ppg, led the NBA in minutes (37.6 mpg) and received his first All-Star selection. New York snapped its playoff drought and everything seemed to be going right for the franchise.
A year after shooting 45.6% from the field and 41.1% from the perimeter, Randle’s efficiency is regressing this season. He entered the final weekend before the NBA trade deadline shooting 30.3% from the perimeter and 41.4% from the field. Far worse for New York, teams are noticing his lack of energy, issues with teammates and an unwillingness to play defense.
- Julius Randle stats (2021-’22): 18.5 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 5.1 apg, .058 WS/48
NBA executives told Marc Berman of the New York Post that Randle’s value has taken a significant hit. With one scout highlighting the renewed concerns teams would have with Randle’s attitude and now his contract.
“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, via New York Post
Randle’s issues while playing are hurting his trade value the most. But he also provided the fan base with even more reason to turn on him after making a thumbs-down gesture towards the home crowd in January at Madison Square Garden.
Because of his declining trade value, it’s believed that the Knicks are unlikely to find a deal for him by Feb. 10. But after a disappointing season, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is shopped around the league this summer.