Knicks’ Julius Randle makes eye-opening career move amid key contract decision

Aaron Mintz, who represented Randle previously and negotiated his current four-year, $117 million contract with New York, will once again represent the Knicks power forward ahead of a summer where his future will be questioned.

Jalen Brunson’s emergence as the face of the franchise has certainly lessened Randle’s overall role with the Knicks. Even though he is still a big part of this team’s equation for success, what kind of price the Knicks will be looking to put on Randle is something that will be decided over the summer. This is especially true with Randle entering the back half of his current contract.

Julius Randle’s contract

Currently recovering from shoulder surgery, Randle is expected to make a full recovery and be ready to take the court for the Knicks ahead of the start of the 2024-25 season. The three-time All-Star went down on Jan. 27 against the Miami Heat with a dislocated right shoulder. Initially thought to be able to get back out on the court in three-to-four weeks, Randle elected to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery prior to the start of the playoffs.

In a total of 46 games, Randle averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while shooting 47.2% from the floor.

The decision to switch agencies before the start of the offseason is very telling as to what Randle’s plans are for the summer. Since coming to the Knicks in 2019, Randle has been one of the better power forwards in the entire league. Going back to CAA not only sheds light on Randle wanting to negotiate a new contract with the team, but it may very much point to his desire to remain in New York long-term.

Burnson, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart, Isaiah Hartenstein, Shake Milton and Jacob Toppin are all represented by CAA. Randle is now back with the agency as well, the same one Knicks executive Leon Rose worked for as an agent for years before joining the organization. Rose represented players such as LeBron James, Devin Booker, Carmelo Anthony, Joel Embiid, and Dwyane Wade while at CAA.

It is very clear to see that the agency and the Knicks have a strong connection with one another, which is why Randle’s decision to team back up with his old representation signals his desire for an extension. This summer, Randle will be eligible to receive a four-year, $190 million contract extension from the Knicks. Whether or not the team looks to offer him this type of contract is yet to be determined after the star underwent surgery. Should he not receive an extension, Randle will have the option to opt out of the final $29 million on his current deal at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season.

This move by Randle to rejoin CAA only means one thing: A new contract is already on his mind.