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New York Knicks: Julius Randle Emerges as Trade Candidate Amid Contract Situation

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Paolo Songco | Last updated 5/22/24

According to reports, the New York Knicks are inclined to signing Jalen Brunson to a more long-term extension this summer. This only makes sense considering how well the All-Star point guard played for the Knicks this season, coupled with the fact that he now has just one more guaranteed year remaining on his current deal.

As it turns out, however, the organization might not have an equally enthusiastic view when it comes to Julius Randle‘s future with the squad.

New York Knicks Willing to Trade Julius Randle?

Much like Brunson, Randle is also eligible for a contract extension this summer. He also has a player option for 2025-26, which means that he could enter free agency next year. This pretty much makes his current $30.3 million deal an expiring one, which could pique the interest of rival teams.

According to league insider Shams Charania of The Athletic, teams from around the league are indeed keeping a close eye on Randle’s immediate future in New York (h/t Evan Sidery on X, formerly Twitter):

Teams are monitoring the potential availability of Julius Randle this offseason, per @ShamsCharania on @RunItBackFDTV.

Randle is eligible for a four-year, $181 million contract extension.

If the Knicks decide not to extend Randle, he could be on the move.

Randle’s $30.3… pic.twitter.com/juPorcp8Nv

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) May 20, 2024

To be clear, there are no firm reports about the Knicks wanting to part ways with Randle this offseason — at least none yet. However, if the front office isn’t going to offer him an extension then it would only make sense for them to try and cash in on him now while they still can.

Knicks Going Star-Hunting?

Another report by Fred Katz of The Athletic indicates that the Knicks are seriously looking at the prospect of adding another star alongside Brunson:

“The organization is still targeting the upcoming summer as the time to trade for the next big name, league sources tell The Athletic,” Katz wrote.

If you think about it, this could fall in line with the rumors linking Randle to a move away from The Big Apple this summer. You could argue that the former All-Star has emerged as the Knicks’ most marketable trade asset. As such, it would not be a complete shock if the team decides to use Randle as the centerpiece for a potential blockbuster trade — one that will be aimed at pairing Brunson with a proven and battle-tested star.