A report last week indicated that Julius Randle and the Knicks are expected to discuss a contract extension for the standout forward this offseason. While it remains to be seen if the two sides will strike a deal, Randle sounds very open to getting something done with New York sooner or later. Appearing on “Victory The Podcast,” the 26-year-old expressed a desire to be a Knick long-term, as Marc Berman of The New York Post relays.
“I love playing in New York,” Randle said. “I want to retire as a New York Knick.”
Although Randle becomes extension-eligible this offseason, he may ultimately opt to wait until 2022 to sign a new contract, even if he wants to remain with the Knicks. His starting base salary on a four-year extension could be worth only 120% of his 2021-22 base salary ($19.8M), whereas he’d be eligible for more money (and one extra year) if he waits until he’s a free agent.
Here are a few more Knicks-related notes:
- While Randle’s base salary next season will only be $19.8M, a pair of incentives will now be considered likely, instead of unlikely, boosting his cap hit for 2021-22 to $21.78M, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks. In 2020-21, Randle has earned both bonuses (worth $945K apiece this year) by making the All-Star team and being part of a playoff team.
- The Knicks clinched their playoff spot on Wednesday, but they have more ambitious goals this spring, as Berman details. The club still has a shot to move up to No. 4 in the East and will be looking to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs.
- In another story for the Post, Berman says there have been whispers that the Grizzlies aren’t yet fully sold on Jaren Jackson Jr., who has had some durability issues throughout his pro career so far. While I’d be surprised if Memphis plans to move on from Jackson anytime soon, Berman notes that the big man used to be represented by Leon Rose at CAA and his father (Jaren Jackson Sr.) works for the Knicks. Jackson Jr., who is extension-eligible this offseason, is one of a number of players New York will keep an eye on, just in case.
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