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

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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New York Knicks, Philadelphia Sixers, Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid, Philadelphia Sixers. (Photo by Eric Hartline/USA TODAY Sports)

1: Trade for a star

This is the most obvious move that the Knicks can make this offseason to put themselves in a position to make a run for the 2024 title. All eyes are on what’s unfolded in Philadelphia over the past week regarding Joel Embiid. If the MVP does become available via trade (note the ‘if’), New York’s front office along with nearly every front office around the league is going to be all over it.

Regardless of not being named an All-Star, Jalen Brunson is a star. Imagine what the Knicks would look like next season if they were able to add the right star to the roster. Players like Karl-Anthony Towns and Trae Young could become available, but the front office should have hesitations about pushing in all of their chips for those two players.

For the first time in a long time, the Knicks should be viewed as a top destination for disgruntled stars. Donovan Mitchell was planning to be traded to New York last year, but obviously that isn’t what ended up happening. After seeing how the Knicks played this season and witnessing Brunson’s ascension to the face of the franchise, there are players out there that should have New York at the top of their team wishlist.

After years of disappointment (except 2020-21), the Knicks are finally on the right path. New York’s push to the semifinals wasn’t a fluke but instead is something that the organization can build off of by being aggressive and making the necessary moves this offseason.