Knicks' stance on Julius Randle trade revealed

The New York Knicks have some serious decisions to make this offseason. What to do with All-Star Julius Randle may be chief among them.

The Knicks fell just one win short of the Eastern Conference finals without Randle, who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury against the Miami Heat in late January. He ended up missing the final 36 games of the regular season and the entirety of the playoffs.

The Knicks are “not trying to trade Randle,” according to The Athletic’s Fred Katz. However, the team reportedly recognizes that Randle’s contract may turn him into the odd man out if New York pursues a different star on the trade market.

Randle has just one guaranteed year worth $30.3 million left on his contract — the highest on the team next season. Randle’s cap figure makes him the most logical trade chip should the Knicks need to match salaries to acquire a big star.

Randle also becomes eligible to sign an extension with the Knicks on Aug. 3. The Knicks could opt to re-sign Randle to a long-term deal and dangle him as trade bait during the 2025 trade deadline.

Randle earned his third All-Star nod this season before being sidelined with injury. He averaged 24.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists across 46 contests.