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Julius Randle trade and 2 other moves Knicks must make to win title

By Jordanna Clark

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 10: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks reacts in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat during game five of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Madison Square Garden on May 10, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Miami Heat 112-103. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 10: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks reacts in the fourth quarter against the Miami Heat during game five of the Eastern Conference semifinals at Madison Square Garden on May 10, 2023 in New York City. The New York Knicks defeated the Miami Heat 112-103. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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If you would’ve told New York Knicks fans a year ago that the team would have an actual shot at winning the 2024 NBA Championship, at least part of the fanbase would’ve laughed in your face. It’s safe to say that not even Knicks fans predicted just how good Jalen Brunson would be for the team in his first season. Although he wasn’t named an All-Star, he was more than worthy of the honor.

Moving forward, the front office should prioritize building around Brunson. His excellence in the regular season and playoffs made that evident. New York is in a far better position than many believed the team would be in, meaning that in the coming years, the Knicks could be viewed as contenders.

There are some moves that need to happen before then, though, starting with an obvious trade.

3 moves Knicks need to make to have shot at winning 2024 NBA Championship

3: Trade Julius Randle

Julius Randle’s time in New York has had its fair share of ups and downs. His first season was rocky, his second one was good, his third season was disappointing, and his fourth season that just wrapped up was great.

The playoffs have told a different story, though, with Randle averaging 17.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 15 postseason games. Here’s the kicker — he’s shot 34.4% from the field in the playoffs and 28.3% from three. Those aren’t numbers that a star is supposed to put up in the postseason.

The four-year, $117 million extension that he signed after his first All-Star season in 2020-21 kicked in at the start of 2022-23, meaning that he still has three years left on his contract with 2025-26 being a player option. Randle can provide value to another team, but it seems as if he’s run his course in New York.

The Knicks could decide to keep the forward during the offseason, but especially if the organization is able to bring a star in, Julius Randle needs to be on the move.

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