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3 Julius Randle trades that the Knicks should consider

By Desmond Novack

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks in action against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 2022 in New York City. 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. Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks 125-114. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 30: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks in action against the Charlotte Hornets at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 2022 in New York City. 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. Charlotte Hornets defeated the New York Knicks 125-114. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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After Julius Randle’s second bad season in the three years he’s been with the New York Knicks, it may be time to finally move on from the veteran power forward. While there is certainly potential for Randle to turn things around and return to being a solid role player like he was in the past, there’s an even bigger chance that it won’t happen.

Whether it be because of a Donovan Mitchell trade, the simple lack of need for Randle, or a potentially even worse season than the last, it may be time for Randle to play for a new team.

This could be avoided, though, if Randle understands that he must have the ball in his hands less and become more of an off-ball player. However, Randle has not played like this in three years. I doubt that he will suddenly change his mindset.

Here are 3 Julius Randle-Knicks trade scenarios that we could see unfold:

1. Julius Randle and Evan Fournier to the Lakers for Russell Westbrook, a 2027 FRP, and two future SRP

This is a little interesting, as Russell Westbrook is certainly not a good fit for the Knicks. However, Westbrook is set to make $47 million next year. While he is unlikely to accept a buyout, the Knicks could pull off a trade and either sit or bench Westbrook to allow his contract to expire, which would clear up a ton of cap space.

While the combination of Randle and Fournier is certainly better than Westbrook, that is not saying much. I understand Fournier is an elite shooter, however, I’d much rather clear up minutes for players like Cam Reddish, Quentin Grimes, and Obi Toppin. In addition to this, the cap space the Knicks will clear could be much more valuable than any of the players in this deal.

The other key piece in this deal is the Lakers’ 2027 first-round pick. By that time it is likely that both LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be gone, meaning that this pick has the potential to have a ton of value.

As for Randle and Fournier, not only will this trade clear up room for some of the younger players to develop, but they will also both be great fits next to LeBron, with Randle likely being more willing to go back to his old off-ball ways.

This trade would work great for both teams as the Lakers would get two players who both fit better than Westbrook and the Knicks would get valuable cap space and picks.

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