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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) /
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New York Knicks, Julius Randle
Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Photo by Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports) /

The Field of Trade Partners

For the record, it stands to reason that a number of current contenders would engage in conversations to acquire a former All-Star at the trade deadline. In fact, it feels as though most of the teams in a parody-filled Western Conference would welcome this boost.

Would the wavering Lakers give up assets to reunite with Randle and give LeBron James another co-star to lighten the load? Would Dallas be wise to add a scorer to help take some of the regular season load off of superstar Luka Doncic? Are the Suns in need of help as they seek to return to the NBA Finals? How committed to the postseason are fringe teams like the Trail Blazers, Kings, Bulls, Wizards, Raptors, etc?

I am confident a trade partner exists that would offer the Knicks a worthwhile package.

The Ultimate Goal

The questions remain on the table. Is Randle a piece of a postseason puzzle? Or is he a potential stumbling block?

Now is a good time to consider the overall vision and direction of the franchise. I mentioned before that playoff berths are not common in the club’s recent history. There is undoubtedly value in becoming a consistent postseason contender.

However, the ultimate goal (as far off as it may seem) is for New York to win an NBA Championship. The team should guard against the temptation to put too much stock into a No. 4 seed, a playoff win, and an exit to the Atlanta Hawks in the first round.

Julius Randle has proven he can elevate the franchise into the tier of first-round contenders. But is he a championship piece? Barring the acquisition of a bonafide superstar, the evidence leans toward the answer being no.

Placing their star on the trade block opens the possibility for a bidding war or an overzealous ownership bid littered with draft picks or young talent. As painful as punting on a potential playoff berth might seem, hitting the reset button could be the first step toward trending in a championship direction.

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