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7 Knicks free agent targets with ties to Julius Randle

By Josh Cornelissen

Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images
Julius Randle, Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell, Los Angeles Lakers. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images /
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New York Knicks
Julius Randle, Nikola Mirotic, New Orleans Pelicans. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) – New York Knicks /

Knicks Free Agent Target No. 6: Nikola Mirotic, Stretch 4

There was a time when Nikola Mirotic was one of the most sought-after role players in the entire NBA. The Spanish stretch-4 joined the Chicago Bulls in 2014-15 and was a frequent subject of trade rumors as teams around the league looked into his availability and made trade offers. He was traded twice before he came to the NBA (Houston to Minnesota, and MIN to Chicago) and twice after, once from the Bulls to the Pelicans, and then ultimately from New Orleans to the Milwaukee Bucks for four second-round picks.

It was during that year in New Orleans that Mirotic teamed up with Julius Randle to form a switch-heavy frontcourt with plenty of skill and shooting. In 62 games with the Pelicans, Mitoritc scored 15.7 points per game and pulled in 8.2 rebounds, while Randle averaged 21.4 points and 8.7 rebounds with the Pels. The two players clearly worked well together in the 30-some games where they both shared the court.

Mirotic has been out of the NBA for three seasons now, putting up big numbers for Barcelona in the Spanish ACB League. He is very likely content playing in his home country and being a star for a contender in Spain. If he ever did want to return to the NBA, however, there would be a role for him as a veteran stretch-4.

The Knicks wouldn’t offer the largest role, but the connection to both Randle and his former coach Tom Thibodeau (they were together in Chicago) would make the Knicks a viable landing spot, as would the metropolitan nature of New York City and its easy access to Spain via flight. If he makes an NBA return, the Knicks will be on the list.