NY Knicks: 5 ways the Knicks are mirroring the Miami Heat
By Allen Settle
The NY Knicks and Miami Heat are keeping their stars around long-term
Walker and Lowry were not the only notable contracts handed out by the Knicks and Heat. In fact, both inked their largest deals in similar fashions.
The Knicks recently reached a four-year, $117 million extension with their All-Star Julius Randle. This prevents the star from entering the free agency pool after the upcoming season.
While several factors led to New York’s 2020-21 breakout, no singular factor was more prominent than the emergence of Randle.
The former 7th overall pick had spent his first several seasons bouncing between the Lakers and Pelicans. He was always a solid player, but never a superstar.
This changed the moment the Kentucky star was given the reigns to the rebuilding Knicks. He posted career highs in points (24.1), rebounds (10.2), assists (6.0), free throw percentage (81%), and three-point percentage (41%).
He was awarded the 2021 Most Improved Player trophy and led his team to the fourth seed in the East. Randle also enters the upcoming season as the Knicks’ best and most important player.
Miami’s largest free agency contract was also given to their most important player. Superstar Jimmy Butler agreed to a similar four-year extension that will keep him in Miami through 2026. His deal is reportedly worth $184 million.
Bulter, also a former Most Improved Player winner (2015) has been the key cog in Miami’s recent success.
The similarities in each franchise’s decision-making are startling. Each player will seek to lead their team to success in 2021 and beyond.