3 Knicks players that will benefit most from Jalen Brunson free agency signing

DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 10: Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks dribbles up court in the game against the San Antonio Spurs at American Airlines Center on April 10, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Tim Heitman/Getty Images) /

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Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Photo by Wendell Cruz/USA TODAY Sports) /

2: Julius Randle

There have been slight rumblings of a possible Julius Randle trade, but by slight, I mean very slight. As in ‘it’s likely not going to happen during the offseason’ slight. So it’d be in the best interest for him and the Knicks if he were to have a bounce-back season in 2022-23.

And guess who can help make that happen? Brunson. Randle’s going to have to adjust to not having the ball in his hands 24/7, and while that may be something that he isn’t fond of shying away from, it’ll help his game.

Like Brunson, Randle uses his strength to create opportunities down low, and he can still do that, but he’s also going to get more open looks. After shooting 41.1% from three in his All-Star and MIP season in 2020-21, Randle followed it by shooting 30.8% from deep this past year. If he can get back to the shades of the 3-point shooter that he was in 2020-21, New York will profit.

It’s believed that Randle’s down year was because he succumbed to the pressure that came along with signing an extension and playing for the Knicks, of all teams. The addition of Brunson will help to relieve the pressure off the 27-year-old, and not because that pressure should be put on Brunson.

Randle needs to know that he doesn’t have to try to do everything on the offensive end of the floor, and Brunson’s signing will help to prove that to him.

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