The New York Knicks might not have gotten three-time All-Star Donovan Mitchell, but that doesn’t mean that they won’t make a trade between now and the start of the 2022-23 season. In fact, there’s a trade that could be made that would please the majority of the fanbase.
Julius Randle’s 2020-21 season resulted in his first All-Star appearance and the Most Improved Player award, but his 2021-22 season ended up being a far cry from the year before. Even though the forward averaged 20.1 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, his struggles were evident.
The Knicks signed point guard Jalen Brunson in free agency, which means that there are now three players in New York’s starting lineup that like to have the ball in their hands (Brunson, Randle, and RJ Barrett). With Randle being a ball-dominant player, he’s going to have to accept an off-ball role. That could happen, but knowing Randle, it may not work out.
Will the Knicks trade Julius Randle before the start of the 2022-23 season?
There was speculation about New York trading Randle if a Donovan Mitchell trade took place, as Mitchell is another player that likes to have the ball in his hands. Even though Mitchell was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, there’s still been talk about a Randle trade happening.
According to Knick Film School’s Jonathan Macri, “there will be every effort made within reason to get rid of Julius Randle before the season starts.”
The keywords are “within reason.” Obviously, there’s no guarantee that the Knicks are going to trade Randle, but it seems as if it’s a possibility, and it’s certainly a topic that’s worth exploring as it would allow Obi Toppin to slide into the starting lineup.
With that being said, here are two trades that the Knicks should think about if they’re looking to part ways with Julius Randle.