Daily Knicks
Fansided

4 reasons Knicks should consider trading Julius Randle while value is high

By Allen Settle

TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 6: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 6, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - JANUARY 6: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks looks on against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of their basketball game at the Scotiabank Arena on January 6, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
New York Knicks, Julius Randle
Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Photo by Nick Turchiaro/USA TODAY Sports) /

The All-Star Value

Remember that 2021-2022 letdown season I mentioned earlier? You may also remember that there was plenty of speculation the team could reset by moving off Randle in the midst of their turmoil.

Despite (at that point) being a 27-year-old All-Star and reigning NBA Most Improved Player, the trade rumors led to one consensus conclusion: there was little to no market for the former Kentucky star.

Regression had tanked the forward’s trade value, almost completely. His scoring, and more importantly, his efficiency, were way down. His three-point shooting number had tanked (41% in 2020 to just 30% in 2021). His club was also failing to win games.

Randle’s poor play, combined with his hefty contact (more on that later), made him one of the more unmovable assets in the league. This is an awful form of purgatory in the world of the NBA.

However, the former lottery pick has bounced back in a considerable way this season. His efficiency numbers have improved (35% shooting from three and 46% from the floor). His scoring has surpassed his infamous All-Star season (24.1 PPG in 2020-21 compared to 24.4 in 2022-23). His rebounding is still strong (10 per game this season). By all counts, Randle is back to his old self.

And it’s resulted in his team winning. While other players have certainly contributed loads, Randle’s rebound is the most obvious factor in the Knicks’ improved win total.

This is great for the Knicks. It is also a huge boost to Randle’s trade market.

While there is certainly an argument to be made to ride this wave of success, the star’s turbulent play should concern New York fans. How long will it be before the less-efficient version of Randle makes another appearance? Should the Knicks commit their franchise to a player with a roller coaster history? Or would it be wise to use this opportunity to trade Randle and retool?

This becomes a much more intriguing conversation when you consider…

Home/Knicks Rumors