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How the Knicks could manage to turn Julius Randle into Khris Middleton

By Bobby Friedman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 30: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks in action against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on November 30, 2022 in New York City. 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. Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New York Knicks 109-103. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 30: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks in action against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden on November 30, 2022 in New York City. 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. Milwaukee Bucks defeated the New York Knicks 109-103. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /
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Last week, Khris Middleton declined his $40+ million player option for the last year of his current contract. While Middleton and the Bucks are expected to make a new deal, don’t be surprised if that loses traction. Between a first-round exit and Brook Lopez being set to be a free agent, the Bucks may find themselves under pressure to keep Giannis Antetokounmpo happy and in contention.

The 31-year-old wing is exceptionally efficient from mid-range, long-range, and the charity stripe. His defensive rating this past season was a respectable 112.9.

Here’s the flip side: Middleton played 33 games last season, 66 games the season before, and had a minor knee procedure two weeks ago. We’ve seen this story hobble through New York before.

Here’s why this time it is different: Randle is New York’s problem child right now. The Knicks couldn’t have gotten to the playoffs without his scoring and reliability, but he’s also the reason they couldn’t get out from under Miami. Randle isn’t a pure scorer, but he takes the most shots in New York currently. He also doesn’t have a diverse skill set to keep opposing coaches guessing.

Should the Knicks consider trading Julius Randle for another risky player?

Keeping Julius Randle is a risk, just like signing Khris Middleton would be. And unlike in the past, New York has plenty of players, namely Obi Toppin, ready to play bigger minutes. The Knicks could afford this risk.

But why do it if you’re Milwaukee? Despite the huge interest, Toronto doesn’t seem trigger-happy with trading OG Anunoby. Dallas has Christian Wood to offer, but who would you rather have: Wood or Randle?

The Bucks can replace Middleton’s offense with free-agent Buddy Hield who could be had for about half of the price tag. In addition, the Knicks can sweeten the deal with a sign and trade inclusion of Derrick Rose, who has been linked to Milwaukee.

For the same amount of risk, the upside of Khris Middleton is proven efficiency, rarely coupled with championship pedigree defense.

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