Julius Randle Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Knicks to make final decision on Julius Randle's future after the season

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 1/7/24

The New York Knicks are expected to be active this winter. The franchise recently acquired OG Anunoby, Precious Achiuwa, and Malachi Flynn from the Toronto Raptors, sending out RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and a second-round draft pick. That trade has made the Knicks an interesting player in the trade market, as many expect them to continue looking at ways to improve their roster.

However, according to Sam Amico , any potential deal that would include Julius Randle will likely wait until the summer. He noted how the Knicks coaching staff and front office want to wait and see how the All-Star gels with Anunoby and Jalen Brunson throughout the rest of the season.

"The Knicks reportedly have been contemplating deals involving Julius Randle, but league sources told Hoops Wire they intend to keep Randle at least through the season — and see how things go with point guard Jalen Brunson, Randle and Anunoby as the core," Amico reported.

East Notes: Knicks, Julius Randle, Cavs, Celtics, Jayson Tatum https://t.co/j9nNE8yHhV
— Hoops Wire (@WireHoops) January 5, 2024

Randle has been with the Knicks since 2019. This is his fifth season with the franchise. Since joining the Knickerbockers, he is averaging 22.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, shooting 50.4% from 2-point range and 33.6% from deep. Randle has made both of his career All-Star appearances since being with the Knicks and has an opportunity to add a third appearance this season.

The Knicks have Randle under contract for next season, with a player option on the final year of his four-year $117 million contract. As such, he could still be a valuable trade chip at the end of the season, especially if he earns another All-Star appearance next month.

New York has long been rumored to covet a star-level talent. In order to make the salary matching work, along with putting together an enticing trade package, Randle is the most likely member of the Knicks core to be included in a deal. The Knicks are trying to build a contending team, and Randle's improved trade value would be a significant tool in their bid to keep improving their roster around the newly formed duo of Brunson and Anunoby.

Of course, if Randle can prove he fits well with his other star teammates, the Knicks could decide to build around the trio they already have or potentially explore different avenues for a star-level trade. Randle is essentially being given a six-month tryout by the franchise, where his performance could decide where the next phase of his career is spent.

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