Knicks: Is Julius Randle worth a max contract extension?

The New York Knicks‘ very own Julius Randle has been named to his very first All-Star game and the city is buzzing.

Julius Randle came into this season with a goal in mind and that goal was to prove the doubters wrong.

The entire fanbase wanted him gone, myself included. I’ve tried trading Julius Randle in several articles and I understand how silly any of those trades would have made the Knicks look today.

Since then, we’ve gone on to send out public apologies to Mr. Randle, begging for forgiveness.

Now that Julius Randle is the unquestioned leader on the team, the Knicks should look to build around him moving forward, pairing him with pieces that would help elevate his game.

He’s owed $19.8 million next season on a team option which will surely be picked up no matter what.

After that year is up is when the front office needs to put on their thinking caps and do some critical thinking.

Does Julius Randle deserve a MAX contract extension from the Knicks?

Should the Knicks trade Julius Randle next season in a swap for a mega-star/several young assets and picks or should they extend him?

If he’s extended, what should his deal look like?

These are the questions the Knicks’ front office must ask themselves over the next 12 months or so.

One thing is clear, the Knicks must assume the position of power in the situation and not get desperate.

In years past, the Knicks seemed so desperate to contend that they would pay pretty much anyone $70+ million dollars just to come to New York and help them try to make the playoffs…here’s looking at you Joakim Noah.

I’m of the belief that if a team came knocking with an absolutely mind-blowing offer in exchange for Julius Randle’s services, the Knicks would be foolish to say no.

That being said, I’d hate to see him go and would love nothing more than to see him retire wearing orange and blue and have his jersey hung in the MSG rafters.

This certainly begs the question…what is Julius Randle worth?

I’m sure he will want to be heavily compensated after making just $63 million over the course of his 3-year contract.

If the Knicks sign him to some obnoxious, LeBron James-esque deal making $40+ million per year over 4 seasons, the team can kiss their chances of making it past the 2nd round goodbye.

The Charlotte Hornets just messed things up for everyone by giving Gordon Hayward a 4-year, $120 million contract.

Hayward has more $100+ million deals than he does All-Star appearances.

If I’m Julius Randle’s agent, I’m considering that deal as the floor when we’re at the negotiating table.

When it’s all said and done, the Knicks should look to lock-up Julius Randle for something in the realm of $128 million over 4 years.

This way, their guy is paid and happy, and it leaves the Knicks room to fit the right pieces around him to legitimately compete for a title.

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