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NY Knicks: Why a Julius Randle for De’Aaron Fox trade is worth revisiting

By Allen Settle

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings goes to the basket against Alec Burks #18 and RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in the second quarter at Golden 1 Center on March 07, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 07: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings goes to the basket against Alec Burks #18 and RJ Barrett #9 of the New York Knicks in the second quarter at Golden 1 Center on March 07, 2022 in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) – New York Knicks
De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) – New York Knicks /

Does this trade make sense for New York?

I think so! While Fox has never reached the All-Star ceiling that Randle has, he represents an opportunity to remake the roster in a single move.

Randle’s struggles last season exhausted all of the credibility he had built with the New York crowd during his breakout 2020 campaign. His personal frustration, combined with the ire of fans, makes it feel as though the veteran forward is more likely than not to find a new home this offseason.

Fox would be an excellent consolation prize for a plateauing Randle. While the longtime King has never ascended to superstar heights, his career per-game averages of 19.1 points, 5.1 assists, and 1.3 steals per game would give New York a serviceable talent.

Fox’s game-changing speed and athleticism would mesh well in a New York market starved for playmaking. Imagine one of the fastest players in the game captaining a new-look Knicks offense alongside high-flier and dunk contest champion Obi Toppin, and young talents RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.

This would provide New York with a true on-court identity. Look at this thunderous dunk against the Pacers:

See how it ignites his bench and teammates? This skill set would be a blast in Madison Square Garden!

What about this example of Fox’s ability to force a game into overtime with a quick move?

Fox’s speed is not exaggerated. He’s one of, if not the fastest, player in the NBA. He has the ability to be a one-man wrecking crew in transition. Count me in for this type of playmaking in New York.

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